There are new indications this evening that the Government will not call an early general election.

It has emerged that TDs will tomorrow be asked to extend the deadline for the final report of the Banking Inquiry.

The inquiry was due to conclude by the end of next month - but will now have until the end of January to issue its final report.

The inquiry will automatically collapse if the Dáil is dissolved before its final report - making it less likely that an election could be held before February at the earliest.