By David Raleigh

Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan has added her voice to calls on the Taoiseach to announce the General Election for a Friday.

Speaking in her native Limerick, the Labour TD said: "There's different views about what's the best date."

"In my view Friday would be better, because I think we are more likely to get a good turnout, and we're more likely to have people able to vote on the Friday," she said.

"Sometimes there are difficulties, particularly if people are returning home on a Friday evening they can vote, but if it's Thursday it's more difficult for them."

Rumours from within the corridors of Government buildings suggest the England v England Six Nations clash in Twickenham on Friday, February 27, is causing the Coalition strife over what day to go to the polls.

Lots of speculation that, a host of Fine Gael voters will be among a cohort of rugby fans who will be out of country on the 26th, has only added more to the political rumour mill.

However, Munster rugby fan, Jan O'Sullivan stuck to her guns regarding her preference for a Friday vote.

"I think there is a view that the rugby matters, and I know that Limerick is a great rugby city, and we care about rugby, but I think that on balance I would prefer the Friday," Minster O'Sullivan said.

She added: "I think the most important thing is that people vote, and obviously the election is coming soon."