By tendering her resignation on Tuesday afternoon, Frances Fitzgerald prevented an election before Christmas...
However, with Leo Varadkar's minority government in a weakened position, and questions lingering over the position of Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, it's fair to say that a general election could still be near on the horizon.
Outgoing Tánaiste Fitzgerald, currently at the centre of the controversy that threatened the government's very existence, has announced her intention to stand in that election — whenever it may come.
On Twitter, shortly after a statement announcing her resignation was published, Deputy Fitzgerald wrote "Just to confirm Dublin Mid-West @FineGael Selection Convention is still going ahead this evening in @FinnstownDublin and I will be putting my name forward for Selection. Looking forward to meeting local members."
The selection conventions were convened days ago when it appeared as though selecting candidates for a general election was a matter of urgency. Fitzgerald has been a TD since 2011, and also served between 1992 and 2002.
https://twitter.com/FitzgeraldFrncs/status/935508146067472389
