Politics

Posters at the ready and cost-of-living payments more grist to early-election rumour mill

Fianna Fáil election posters bearing the image of a smiling Micheál Martin were spotted stacked on a pallet in an industrial estate

Micheál Martin election posters were spotted by an RTÉ journalist. Photograph: X
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Cormac McQuinn
Tue Oct 08 2024 - 15:34

Moving Forward Together is the slogan on the Fianna Fáil election posters bearing the image of a smiling party leader Micheál Martin. They were spotted in Park West Industrial Estate by eagle-eyed RTÉ reporter Fiachra Ó Cionnaith. If further grist to the early-election rumour mill was required – and it absolutely is not – it was provided by the photo of the posters stacked on a pallet and ready to go.

Fianna Fáil said there was “nothing unexpected in this”, and it was “standard practice” for all parties “to be well advanced with all aspects of their preparations six months out from an election”.

This is, of course, true but it also means they have prepared for the possibility of an early election.

As our political correspondent Jennifer Bray reported in recent days, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and the smaller parties are all well on their way to having their candidates selected.

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Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told Newstalk on Tuesday her hunch was that it would be a November election and “when it happens we will be good to go”.

There is a certain irony that it is posters for Mr Martin’s party that were revealed given his efforts to dampen the fevered election speculation. He said last week there had been “no discussions” between the Coalition party leaders on the matter, and he remained committed to the passing of “vital” legislation before an election. Mr Martin cited the overhaul of the planning system, and mental health and defamation Bills. He has spoken about how in his view it would be “ideal” for the election to be held in February.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris – who will ultimately fire the election starting gun – has not been so clear on timing. He said he would call the election “in a respectful way at the right time”, and he wanted “the Government to finish its work”. This would indicate he will consult the other Coalition leaders.

On Tuesday one of those leaders, Roderic O’Gorman of the Green Party, also said there was “significant” legislation on hate crime and the protection of maternity leave entitlements that he wanted to get over the line. He also said calling the election “will ultimately be a matter for the Taoiseach”.

All eyes will be on the Finance Bill, which provides for measures announced in the budget, and whether this will be fast-tracked as an indication that an election is imminent.

Mr O’Gorman was “not aware” of any proposals for this to happen on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has announced the timetable for the series of cost-of-living welfare payments announced in last week’s bumper budget. They are to be made by December 3rd. That will not do anything to cool down the current election fever.