Paddy Power have been forced to cut the odds on an Irish General Election taking place in 2017 as the Sgt Maurice McCabe scandal continues to drive a wedge between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

The bookie now makes it 1/2 for an election to be called this year having offered 8/13 less than 24 hours ago.

It’s 7/2 for the country to go to the polls in 2018, while 2019 is considered a 7/1 shot.

All the best odds on Politics are on PP.com

Elsewhere, we’re also taking bets Noirín O’Sullivan still being the Garda Commissioner on April 1st 2017.

Here, it’s 4/9 for O’Sullivan to remain in the position beyond April, with odds of 13/8 available on her not being the Commissioner at the time.

Date of Next General Election

2017 – 1/2
2018 – 7/2
2019 – 7/1
2020 – 10/1
2021 or later – 18/1

Noirín O’Sullivan to be Garda Commissioner on April 1st 2017

4/9 – Yes
13/8 – No

* Odds correct at time of posting.