The prospect of an early general election has driven a wedge between the two coalition parties.

It follows Enda Kenny's refusal to rule out an election in November, months ahead of the original plan.

Fine Gael members are now openly calling for an early vote - which many in Labour would consider as a breach of trust.

Both parties' concerns are broadly electoral. Fine Gael wants to capitalise on the softest Budget in eight years, and seek re-election before a potential Christmas trolley or housing crisis.

Labour's poll ratings are much more dependant on the Budget's tax cuts making an impact in pay packets - and on the increases to public sector pay - both of which are not due to take effect until the New Year.

The continuing dispute is threatening to seriously undermine the coalition's plan to present itself to the country as the only viable option for secure and stable government.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News:

Meanwhile the chairman of the Oireachtas Banking Inquiry is calling on the Taoiseach not to call a general election until next year in order to give the inquiry time to conclude its work. 

The banking inquiry is due to publish its final report in mid to late January - but the inquiry will collapse if an election is called first.

The Chairman of the banking inquiry, Ciaran Lynch, has this message for the Taoiseach: