Irish voters look set for a general election on Friday, February 25 after the minority government and main opposition parties yesterday night struck a deal to put Budget 2011 into law.

After more than an hour of crunch talks, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan revealed all parliamentary business would be cleared for the week to fast-track the Finance Bill.

“I think it’s a good day’s work. I think it’s important for the country that we are seen to unite,” he said.

The Dail (Parliament) will review the legislation for three days in a guillotine style debate from tomorrow before it goes to the Seanad (Upper House) where further amendments can be made.

Mr Lenihan warned that the government – left in a minority after the Greens yesterday withdrew support – will face a motion of no confidence if the bill is not signed into law by next Tuesday.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen is expected to dissolve the Dail any time between Saturday and Tuesday with a general election to be held within 18-25 days, excluding Sundays and holidays.

The main opposition parties, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens, had heaped pressure on the Taoiseach and Mr Lenihan to set down a speedy timetable or face the prospect of being voted out of power.

But Sinn Fein refused to back the plan.

Spokesman Pearse Doherty claimed his party was asked to leave round table talks in the Department of Finance only to refuse and sit in silence after lashing out at the government-opposition consensus.