The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, added to the fear and loathing that stalks the corridors of Leinster House yesterday, when he raised the prospect of the general election not taking place until May 31st.
He may simply have been toying with the reporters asking him to name the date of the poll but his words only served to add to the angst of deputies of all parties and none as they returned to the Dáil after their Easter break yesterday.
Until recently politicians believed they would definitely be on the campaign trail by now. Then the perceived wisdom moved on to an election Friday May 10th or 17th. But Mr Ahern really threw a spanner in the works by mentioning the last Friday of the month. Nobody believed him though, and all bets are now on either Friday 17th or 24th.
When questioned, the Taoiseach denied he had put the Garda on notice for a May 17th election. Asked if it might be a week later, "It could easily go to the 24th or the 31st", he replied.
Giving his reasons for the 31st, he said there were "a lot of attractions" on the next day. He believes it is important to relax the day after the polls close because by then there is nothing a candidate can do. He prefers not to go to the count.
"The following morning Ireland play at 7.30 a.m. in the first match in the World Cup; that afternoon Dublin play in the first round of the championship. It will be a wonderful day."
Earlier RTÉ's Charlie Bird had tried to wrestle the true date from the Taoiseach by asking what day next week he should not schedule a hairdresser or a dental appointment (in case the election is called). But the Taoiseach responded that he would let him know "that morning".
"I said in September 1997 the election is in May 2002. It couldn't have been more notice. And I told you Charlie to make sure that you don't go on holidays in May 2002 and you took my advice. So we'll stick to that."
The Taoiseach was speaking yesterday at the launch of The Tallyman's Campaign Handbook - Election 2002, by Mr Noel Whelan, a barrister and former Fianna Fáil candidate.
Senior Fianna Fail figures said Mr Ahern had not told them the election date. The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, has apparently requested May 24th to give her party time to recover from the Molloy controversy.