Taoiseach Enda Kenny did not rule out an election being held before Christmas when questioned in Killala, Co Mayo today.
He said there were a million opinion makers and one decision-maker.
He said his focus was on delivering a Budget that would secure the recovery of the economy.
Asked specifically if there would be an election before Christmas, he said "You know you don't expect me to make any comment on that."
He added that people were speculating that everything he did was in the context of a general election, but said he would make a decision in the best interests of the country.
