Fine Gael TD Áine Collins has claimed the election will be held on February 26th 2016.

Ms Collins told her local radio station Corks 96fm she believed the country would go to the polls on that date.

There has been widespread speculation that the general election could be called after the Budget next month.

However, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told his party last week the coalition Government of Fine Gael and Labour would serve its full term.

Under the 1992 Electoral Act, the Dáil cannot continue for longer than five years from the date of its first meeting.

The current Dáil first met on March 9th, 2011, which means it cannot continue beyond March 8th next.

The Act also stipulates that the election shall be held not earlier than 18 working days and not later than 25 working days after the issuing of the writs.

That would mean the election being held between April 1st and 9th if the Dáil runs its full term.