But last night the Finance Minister ruled out an election before next year, saying the Taoiseach had closed the window on an election before Christmas.
Yesterday Ministers delivered what they hope will be a budget that gives something to workers and families.
They hope the USC cuts, welfare hikes, investment in childcare and freezing the property tax will form the basis for their re-election.
This morning the Taoiseach will face questions on the budget in the Dáil, while Ministers will continue to answer questions on radio and TV.
Then it'll be over to the backbenchers to go out and sell the message of the budget, ahead of the election.
That election is now unlikely until the New Year after Michael Noonan declared last night that the Taoiseach had closed the window on a poll in November.
Meanwhile, Brendan Howlin has played down the extent of any row between the government parties over plans to control the cost of rent.
The Public Expenditure minister was speaking after Fine Gael and Labour couldn't agree on plans to include in yesterday's Budget.
Instead the coalition will have to prepare other measures to control rent, and announce them in the coming weeks.
Brendan Howlin says both parties are determined to find ways to control rent – and are keen to strike a deal to do so.
Elsewhere, one of the Government's biggest Budget promises is already under threat.
GPs say free care for the under 12s is a 'recipe for disaster'.
They claim there's no proof the scheme is working for the under 6s – and it shouldn't be extended until they're certain it's cost-effective and safe.
Dr Yvonne Williams is the spokesperson for the National Association of General Practice – she says yesterday's Budget announcement was a serious breach of trust between doctors and the Health Minister.
In other Budget 2016 news:
Parents and children are the big winners of Budget 2016; according to The Children's Rights Alliance who say yesterday's decisions will greatly improve the lives of thousands of children and families.
The group is welcoming the introduction of two weeks' paid paternity leave and the extension of subsidised childcare by 8-thousand places.
Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward, also says that the extension of the free pre-school scheme will benefit many families.
Finally, the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes has gone up by 50 cent.
The Dáil voted last night to increase the cost after it was announced as part of the Budget.
A pro-rata increase will also apply to larger boxes and to bags of rolling tobacco.
