Coalition may promote Noonan and Howlin axis in campaign

Elements within Fine Gael and Labour are considering highlighting the “Noonan-Howlin axis” in their respective election campaigns.

There is no agreement between the parties to campaign together on the basis that Michael Noonan would stay on as Minister for Finance if the Coalition was returned, with Brendan Howlin remaining Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

However, high-level figures in each party believe it would make sense to present the continued alliance of Mr Noonan and Mr Howlin against Opposition rivals for the portfolios.

“It’s not a bad prospect to offer people given the competence of both individuals,” said a Government source.

Any formal agreement would go beyond the scope of a vote transfer pact, but each of the parties will emphasise the requirement for economic and political stability.

While the discussion is in its early phase, Mr Noonan indicated in a weekend interview that he hoped to continue working with Mr Howlin and said he wanted another two years in the Department of Finance.

Fine Gael and Labour will have separate manifestos, with different degrees of emphasis on an assortment of policies. Government priorities in respect of health, housing and childcare will feature in their proposals.

The publication last week of the six-year capital plan essentially bound the two parties to a common long-term investment programme.

An updated “fiscal framework”, to be introduced with Budget 2016 this day week, will set parameters as to how the public finances would be managed into the medium term.

Notwithstanding differences in policy proposals to be presented, it is acknowledged at senior levels in both parties that it would be very difficult politically to deviate from the assumptions underpinning the fiscal framework or the capital plan.

Given the emphasis placed by the Government on its management of the public finances within stringent fiscal rules, the argument is made that each manifesto will have to comply with such rules.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael has told its contracted printing company to order the materials required to produce general election posters at short notice. The move is a further indication that Fine Gael may possibly be preparing for a November election.

The Irish Times understands that the company, The Printed Image, in west Dublin, was told by Fine Gael officials three weeks ago to stock up on the goods needed for the posters. However, no indications were given as to when the election would actually be held.

There has been increasing speculation that Taoiseach Enda Kenny may opt for a November election, rather than wait until next spring. Mr Kenny has told his election strategists to ensure that the party is ready for an election after next week’s budget, should he choose to call one.

Mr Kenny yesterday said his decision on when to call the election would be “made in the best interests of the country”.

Mr Kenny was asked four times by RTÉ News if he would call the election before Christmas and declined on each occasion to say whether it would be this year or next. The Taoiseach previously said he saw no reason to change from his original intention to have the election early next year.