(CNN) -- Irish politicians met Monday and set a time frame for the country's general election.
The most likely date for the crucial election is February 25, the government announced.
Finance Minister Brian Lenihan held the talks with opposition parties Monday, including the Greens, who pulled out of the coalition government Sunday, wiping out its two-seat majority.
The discussions focused on how soon austerity package legislation can be pushed through the Irish parliament.
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After the meetings, the government said the finance bill will be passed by Saturday.
Opposition parties Fine Gael and Labour wanted to have the finance bill enacted this week.
The two parties have been pushing for votes that could force an election earlier than March 11, the date that outgoing Prime Minister Brian Cowen chose.
But the opposition parties say they will drop their motions for confidence votes on the prime minister and the government if the finance bill can be passed by Friday.
Lenihan rejected opposition claims that the government was stalling on the election date.
He said it was now a minority administration and it would have to take into account the views of other parties.
Labour's finance spokeswoman Joan Burton said the election "can and must be brought forward to stop the drift of the country's reputation."
Lenihan is one of four candidates to replace Cowen as Fianna Fail leader.
Nominations closed at lunchtime Monday and a secret ballot is due to be held on Wednesday afternoon to elect the new party leader.
