Tánaiste says 'nothing changed' around timing of election

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has insisted tonight that nothing has changed around the timing of a general election.

He told the Dublin Chamber annual dinner that there have been no discussions about finishing the Government's mandate early.

"I have no reason to believe that anything has been changed and each of the three-party leaders has publicly and repeatedly reaffirmed that all decisions about completing our term will be discussed and agreed," he said.

Mr Martin told the gathering that Government must fully pass the Finance Act and complete the most radical overhaul of planning in many decades.

"We have to enact vital new social legislation, especially in the area of mental health. We have to reform the libel laws to address problems which independent international bodies say are undermining press freedom.

"Most of all we have to show that we can be true to our word in putting the people before politics."

The Tánaiste's comments come as the Dáil is next week set to pass the Planning Bill and also legislation which will pave the way for the payment of a €125 energy credit before and after Christmas.