Taoiseach Enda Kenny has caused surprise among his Fine Gael colleagues after stating it is his intention to hold an election in spring 2016.

After significant pressure to clarify his position, Mr Kenny said his opinion on the timing of the election had not changed.

“I have been consistently very clear on this. It is my intention to hold the election in the spring of 2016.”

The statement came after Mr Kenny refused to rule out a November election on four separate occasions last week, causing a public strain with the Labour party.

One Fine Gael source said: “We were of the impression that he would say he sees no reason at present to have an early election. He went one bit further and effectively ruled it out.

“It makes us look very weak and makes it seem we were dictated to by Labour.

“It is safe to say we were all a bit stunned by his comments.”

Senior Government sources insisted there was still some scope for a November election, but admitted it is unlikely.

One source said: “He left the door slightly open but it would be very difficult to see a November election after that statement,” said one source

Mr Kenny said there would be no reason why he would change his mind between now and the New Year.

‘Electoral pact’

He told RTÉ’s The Week in Politics: “I see no reason to change my mind. The important thing is both parties – Fine Gael and Labour – go into this election on a joint electoral pact platform. Yes, we will have different programmes.

“This is not about me as Taoiseach or me as a public representative. This is about the future and people have to have the choice of continued stability and investment.”

Tánaiste Joan Burton and senior Labour Ministers had called on the Taoiseach to complete the five-year term in office and hold an election in spring.

Ms Burton said crucial pieces of legislation and the work of the banking inquiry would have collapsed if a November election was called.

A spokesman for Ms Burton said she fully supported the commitment from the Taoiseach that the election would be in 2016 and that the two parties would continue to work together.

Labour sources were reluctant to claim credit for the Taoiseach’s statement yesterday and insisted the interview had been planned months ago.

However, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin accused the Taoiseach of being forced into a humiliating climbdown by his Coalition partners.

Mr Martin said Mr Kenny was entirely to blame for the uncertainty created and accused him of showing contempt and disdain for the Labour party.

Spectacle

Sinn Féin leader

Gerry Adams

said Mr Kenny should call an election now and face the voters.

Renua leader Lucinda Creighton said the spectacle of the two parties arguing over an election date had become embarrassing to watch.

It is expected now that the election will take place in late February or early March.

The make-up of the new Government and an agreed Programme for Government must be put in place ahead of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and the beginning of the 2016 commemorations.

Mr Kenny also told RTÉ that Fine Gael was committed to phasing out the Universal Social Charge if re-elected to Government.

He said it was a hated levy but it could not be abolished overnight.