Leo Varadkar: May 2020 'right moment' for Irish election

Image source, AIDAN CRAWLEY

Image caption, Leo Varadkar asked M铆che谩l Martin for the space to allow the government to prepare the country for Brexit

The taoiseach (Irish prime minister) has said that May 2020 is the "right moment" for a general election.

Leo Varadkar wrote to Fianna F谩il Leader M铆che谩l Martin to say that an election would take place next May or June, according to the Irish deputy PM.

T谩naiste Simon Coveney told RT脡 that the taoiseach contacted Mr Martin many months ago about the date.

He said Mr Varadkar asked Mr Martin for the space to allow the government to prepare the country for Brexit.

Mr Coveney told the Irish national broadcaster that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the government wants to be in a position to try to "steer and protect Ireland".