According to the Irish Independent, Donnelly urged Fianna Fáil members to start canvassing and indicated that he expects Taoiseach Simon Harris to dissolve the Dáil and call an election next week, with polling likely in early November.
While Harris has previously denied any plans for an election before Christmas, he has hinted that the government might last until next spring.
However, his recent brief trip to Washington to meet with President Joe Biden, along with social media posts showing crates of election posters belonging to the Tánaiste, started speculation.
Donnelly’s remarks could signal that his seat in Wicklow is at risk, particularly with Harris also contesting the constituency.
Fine Gael is poised to introduce a running mate for Harris, which could further complicate Donnelly's campaign.
