Martin confirmed that no formal discussions have taken place between coalition leaders regarding the election date. However, speaking on the Irish Times Inside Politics Podcast, he seemed open to having that conversation.

He emphasized, though, that any election would need to follow the passage of the crucial Finance Bill.

“The Finance Bill is the key piece of legislation, scheduled for committee stage in the first week of November,” Martin said. “If there’s a desire from some to bring things forward, we’d need to carefully work through the timelines and address the critical pieces of legislation.”

Martin pointed out that the government had already passed significant legislation, including the Planning and Gambling Bills, and was working on a Mental Health Bill to be completed in the coming weeks.

He noted that there are essentially two potential election periods: late November/early December or February, and the gap between them is relatively small.

“What people want is for the government to finish its work in a solid, harmonious way after four-and-a-half years,” he said. “But getting the Finance Act through is essential. It covers a range of important measures, and we can’t have an election before that’s completed.”

Martin downplayed the significance of the timing, saying the difference between a November and February election is “marginal,” but that February would offer a more comfortable timeframe to complete important work.