Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told his local radio station that he will dissolve the Dáil tomorrow and formally announce polling day for General Election 2016.

Speaking to Mid-West radio this afternoon, Mr Kenny said he will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin and formally seek the dissolution of the Dáil.

But the Fine Gael leader refused to confirm that the election will be held on February 26, as is widely expected throughout Government circles.

Mr Kenny also made no mention of formally dissolving the parliament in the Dáil chamber.

He is expected to hold a joint press conference with Tánaiste and Labour Party leader Joan Burton outside Government Buildings - after returning from Phoenix Park.

"Yes, I have already told the Cabinet that I will proceed to Áras an Uachtaráin tomorrow to ask for a dissolution of the Dáil and to announce polling day," Mr Kenny told the station.

But he refused to confirm that the election will be held on February 26.

"I'm not going to comment on that until I make it absolutely formal...but I do hope that people reflect very carefully on the critical decision they have to make here. From our point of view, obviously progress has been made. Unemployment is down to 8.6 (per cent) today and tax returns are 7pc up for the month of January.

"If that progress can be maintained, then clearly, you're going to have the resources to deal with many of the problems that are still abound in the country."

Online Editors