Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has written to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin suggesting they meet in the new year to discuss the date for the next general election.

Mr Varadkar’s email comes almost two weeks after Mr Martin wrote to the Taoiseach seeking clarity on bringing the Confidence and Supply agreement to a formal end.

Mr Varadkar is believed to have noted some of the legislative priorities Mr Martin raised in his letter and also set out some of his own.

The Taoiseach also noted that the Dáil arithmetic has changed in recent months and pointed to one Fianna Fáil TD, thought to be John McGuinness, who may not vote with the party.

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In his letter, Mr Martin told the Taoiseach he should “step in and give some certainty” by giving a date for the election and provide for an orderly wind-down of the Government.

“The responsible thing to do at this point is to end the speculation and agree a date for the dissolution of the Dáil, a date for the holding of the election,” he added.

He also warned the Taoiseach that “nothing positive can be achieved if we allow growing escalation of speculation” or “short-term tactics” concerning the calling of the election.

Mr Martin said the growing speculation “ignores the need for stability and the reality of the completion of Brexit and what needs to be done over the coming months”.

On Friday, the Taoiseach said he did not want a three or four-month election campaign and insisted the Dáil should not be wound down in an orderly fashion as Mr Martin has suggested.

He also said he would need assurances from Mr Martin that he has the full support of his own party members before he could agree an election date with him.

Mr Varadkar’s spokesperson last night said: “The Taoiseach has written to Micheál Martin. He has offered to meet with Deputy Martin in the new year for further discussions.”

Earlier this month, Mr Martin said there was “no point” in reconvening the Dáil after the Christmas recess if the Taoiseach did not give certainty on when the general election would be.

Both parties’ election preparations are already well under way with most candidates selected.

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