Laois TD and Minister for State Sean Fleming expects the current government to complete its full five year term.
With the Dail returning from its summer recess today, rumours had swirled throughout the summer that we could have an early election.
The current Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Green Party coalition is set to remain in power until early 2025 when an election would be due in February.
Speculation has mounted that the vote could be held in November 2024 but Fleming doesn’t see this happening.
Speaking to LaoisToday at the Ploughing Championships yesterday, Deputy Fleming said: “The Locals and Europeans are scheduled for next June and after that we will take it from there.
“I am one of the believers that a government is elected for five years and should run the five years.
“Tell people ‘we did the job and we are looking to be re-elected’ and I hope Fianna Fail are a key part of the next government.
“I don’t know when the election will be called but I don’t think cutting a term short bodes well.”
On the Ploughing itself, Fleming encouraged people who may be put off by the weather on Tuesday – to come today or Thursday.
He said: “I think it is a fantastic show and I know that the first day was wet, but people should come on Wednesday and Thursday as I think the weather will improve.
“At the end of the day, we like the fine days but we always remember the day of the hardship.
“The Irish people love a little bit of trudging around in the rain now and again as long as it is not too often.
“So I think people will be talking about this and it will go into folklore – the crowds were here, the place worked.
“It was a little bit wet but it is what it is – that is Ireland and we just get on with it – we are well able for a drop of rain.”
What is it like being a politician at the ploughing? What are the main issues and do they get much hassle?
Fleming said: “I don’t get too much hassle. Francie Gorman is running for election in the IFA and he asked me to go over to their tent.
“I chatted to them all and the big concern is the issue with nitrates so I hope that works out.
“It is tough for tillage farmers as well. When farmers have to expand their land holding because of the nitrates, that means they are in competition.
“The dairy farmers have more cash in their hands than a grain farmer and I am worried about the impact this will have on the production of grain, wheat and barley in the future.
“Electricity and fertilizers are some of the high costs. So maybe we have to look at using less fertilisers in the future.
“Farmers are resilient and I have no doubt that they will come through good and strong.”
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