The Taoiseach today came under sustained pressure from Opposition benches to dissolve the Dáil and call a general election.
Speculation on the likely polling day continued in the Dáil this morning as TDs prepared for their 18-day Easter break.
Green TD Dan Boyle
Green TD Dan Boyle said it was time to dissolve the 29th Dáil and called on Bertie Ahern to name the election date.
"Why bother coming back after the Easter holidays?" Mr Boyle said. "This is a Dáil that has reached the end of its natural life. It is now time to go to the people."
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte claimed that the long Easter break was allowing time for Mr Ahern to canvass for votes in constituencies across the country.
"It is freeing up the Taoiseach for wandering the highways and byways unimpeded for 20 days because he doesn't like to be in the House and escapes on the least pretext," Mr Rabbitte said.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny also appeared sceptical that the Criminal Justice Bill will be debated again when TDs return from their Easter break.
He asked Tánaiste Michael McDowell: "How do we know that the Taoiseach won't dissolve the Dail on April 24?"
Referring to Mr McDowell's "Single Party Government - No Thanks" poster in 2002, Socialist TD Joe Higgins said: "You will shortly be taking to the lamp posts of Dublin South East."
Speculation has centred on Thursday, May 24th as the likely election date as Mr Ahern said recently that a Friday poll resulted in a poor turnout in 2002.
The Rock The Vote campaign yesterday said research showed that Saturday was the best day to encourage young people to cast their ballots.