Timing of general election has not changed – Taoiseach

The Taoiseach has said his position in relation to the timing of the next general election has not changed despite a series of opinion polls suggesting a levelling of support between Fine Gael and Sinn Féin.

Since becoming leader of Fine Gael in March, Simon Harris has said he wants the coalition to run its full term with a general election in early 2025.

However, an opinion poll by Ireland Thinks for the Sunday Independent, suggesting a seven-point slide in support for Sinn Fein, has fuelled speculation about an earlier general election.

The same poll suggests a three-point increase for Fine Gael putting the party at 22%, neck and neck with Sinn Féin.

This is consistent with a number of similar polls in recent weeks.

Speaking in Castlebar, Co Mayo, Mr Harris said it’s “always better to be up in a poll than down in a poll” but that people will have an opportunity to vote on Friday in the local and European elections.

“The position in relation to the timing of the next general election certainly hasn’t changed,” he said. “This Government has a lot of work to do. I’ve tried to hit the ground running in terms of making progress on a number of issues,” Mr Harris said.

The Taoiseach said he is encouraged that decisions made in the last number of weeks are resonating with communities across the country.

He said people can “see through the noise and see through the negativity” of Sinn Féin who he said have been able to identify the challenges, but not offer solutions.

“I think the closer you get to any election, the more people are going to ask Mary Lou McDonald, a very important question: How would you do it?” he said.

He also accused the Sinn Féin leader of causing “inter-generational anxiety” with a comment that the average price of a house for young people in Dublin should be €300,000.

Mr Harris said the “full rigours of the law” would apply where there is abuse of candidates or canvassers during the course of campaigning.

He said there have been “particularly upsetting” situations where people have been attacked or suffered physical abuse.

“There is an element, and it is a small elements, they like to shout and they like to amplify but they’re a very small number,” he said.

“And we have laws and it’s important those laws are enforced and it’s important that the gardai enforce those rules, too. I think that’s quite important.

“I don’t think we should allow a small number of people suggest we change who we are as a people,” he said.