Burton ‘not at liberty’ to reveal key detail of election date

Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton has said she is “not at liberty” to reveal details of the election date but has made clear her preference is for Friday, February 26th.

Speaking in Dublin at the launch of the ONE Youth Ambassador Programme on Monday afternoon, Ms Burton said people would be “taken out of their misery very soon”, although a date had not been signed off on yet by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and herself.

“We have talked about the arrangements in relation to the calling of the election. At the end of the day that is the Taoiseach’s prerogative so I’m not at liberty for instance to give you the detailed breakdown,” she said.

“But we have a Cabinet meeting in the morning. There are a number of very important issues which will come up tomorrow.”

Cabinet meeting

Ms Burton said she and Mr Kenny would meet on Tuesday morning in advance of the Cabinet meeting.

“As is our normal practice, I’ll be meeting the Taoiseach early tomorrow morning in and around 8.30am. I anticipate that the election . . . will be quite soon.

“But we haven’t actually signed off on a final exact date, but I think people will be taken out of their misery very soon.”

Asked if her preference was for Friday, February 26th, rather than the day before, Ms Burton replied: “I think broadly the Friday has been a very popular day for voting, particularly for people who are, say, leaving Dublin and going back home to vote.

“I’m also aware there’s some very important sporting events that weekend, so that’s something we’ll sit down and discuss.

“But looking at turnout, it doesn’t differ markedly between a Thursday and a Friday.”