The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has fired the first shot in the election campaign, without naming the day.

Mr Kenny has launched a digital ad campaign for Fine Gael under the slogan "Your Hard Work is Working".

But despite being asked again by reporters to name the day, Mr Kenny says he has a date in his head but is not ready to tell us just yet.

Meanwhile the Taoiseach has all but confirmed that the highest rate of USC will be cut again in the next budget.

Mr Kenny says the measure would cost the state €250m, leaving plenty of funds available for other measures.

He has again confirmed the government plan to phase out USC entirely.

And he is defending the decision to start by cutting the higher rate - even though it would affect fewer people.

While Jobs Minister Richard Bruton says they are aiming to give those who made sacrifices in the past few years a bonus through USC cuts.