Menu
24/01/2011
Irish Election Date Looms As Greens Quit
In dramatic events over the weekend, the Green Party has left the coalition Government forcing the March election date to be brought forward.
The election date is now expected to take place on February 25, but a concrete date will not be set unless the crucial Finance Bill is passed over the next week to 10 days.
Yesterday, Green Party Leader John Gormley said his party's patience with Fianna Fail and Brian Cowen had "reached an end" and had decided they could no longer continue in government.
The shock move follows an equally startling announcement by the Taosieach Brian Cowen on Saturday, when he announced his resignation as Fianna Fail Leader. Mr Cowen is expected to remain as Taoiseach until the Dáil is dissolved by the President in the coming weeks.
In yesterday's statement, Mr Gormley said that his party had stood back in the hope that Fianna Fáil could resolve the "persistent doubts" over their party leadership adding that the situation changed after the Irish people began to "lose confidence in politics and in the political process".
Mr Gormley blamed Brian Cowen's failure to reshuffle his cabinet and ability to unite his party behind him for their decision to withdraw from the coalition, and said he regretted not having more time to complete other legislation.
"It has been a very rare privilege to serve in government. It would of course have been preferable if our time in government had not coincided with the worst economic downturn in our nation's history. It has meant having to take the most difficult decisions that any party could have faced."
The Dáil is now facing growing pressure to pass the Finance Bill that details arrangement's for the IMF/EU bailout.
Fine Gael and Labour said they wanted a commitment that the Bill would be passed by next Friday, but the current Finance Minister Mr Lenihan suggested it would not be possible to get it through the Dáil until next Wednesday.
Mr Lenihan has invited the Greens and the Opposition parties to meet him this afternoon to discuss how the Finance Bill can be passed before the election.
See: Martin Emerges As FF Favourite
(DW)
The election date is now expected to take place on February 25, but a concrete date will not be set unless the crucial Finance Bill is passed over the next week to 10 days.
Yesterday, Green Party Leader John Gormley said his party's patience with Fianna Fail and Brian Cowen had "reached an end" and had decided they could no longer continue in government.
The shock move follows an equally startling announcement by the Taosieach Brian Cowen on Saturday, when he announced his resignation as Fianna Fail Leader. Mr Cowen is expected to remain as Taoiseach until the Dáil is dissolved by the President in the coming weeks.
In yesterday's statement, Mr Gormley said that his party had stood back in the hope that Fianna Fáil could resolve the "persistent doubts" over their party leadership adding that the situation changed after the Irish people began to "lose confidence in politics and in the political process".
Mr Gormley blamed Brian Cowen's failure to reshuffle his cabinet and ability to unite his party behind him for their decision to withdraw from the coalition, and said he regretted not having more time to complete other legislation.
"It has been a very rare privilege to serve in government. It would of course have been preferable if our time in government had not coincided with the worst economic downturn in our nation's history. It has meant having to take the most difficult decisions that any party could have faced."
The Dáil is now facing growing pressure to pass the Finance Bill that details arrangement's for the IMF/EU bailout.
Fine Gael and Labour said they wanted a commitment that the Bill would be passed by next Friday, but the current Finance Minister Mr Lenihan suggested it would not be possible to get it through the Dáil until next Wednesday.
Mr Lenihan has invited the Greens and the Opposition parties to meet him this afternoon to discuss how the Finance Bill can be passed before the election.
See: Martin Emerges As FF Favourite
(DW)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
28 January 2011
Dáil 'To Dissolve On Tuesday'
The Irish Republic's Premier, Brian Cowen, is to announce the dissolution of the Dáil next Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming election at the end of February. The end of the current parliament will also mark the end of Mr Cowen's two-year tenure as Taoiseach, while speculation is mounting that it may also be the end of his career in politics.
Dáil 'To Dissolve On Tuesday'
The Irish Republic's Premier, Brian Cowen, is to announce the dissolution of the Dáil next Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming election at the end of February. The end of the current parliament will also mark the end of Mr Cowen's two-year tenure as Taoiseach, while speculation is mounting that it may also be the end of his career in politics.
25 January 2011
Republic's Election Set For February 25
The date for the Irish Republic's election has been agreed for February 25 after the Opposition and the Government agreed to fast track the crucial Finance Bill through the Dáil by Friday.
Republic's Election Set For February 25
The date for the Irish Republic's election has been agreed for February 25 after the Opposition and the Government agreed to fast track the crucial Finance Bill through the Dáil by Friday.
14 December 2022
Internal Conservative Party Politics Cause Of Protocol Delay – DUP
The Prime Minister's decision to pause the NI Protocol Bill's progression is more related to internal Conservative Party politics than the chances of getting a fair, balanced and sustainable agreement in Brussels, DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has said. Mr Paisley said: "The Protocol must be replaced by arrangements that Unionists can support.
Internal Conservative Party Politics Cause Of Protocol Delay – DUP
The Prime Minister's decision to pause the NI Protocol Bill's progression is more related to internal Conservative Party politics than the chances of getting a fair, balanced and sustainable agreement in Brussels, DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has said. Mr Paisley said: "The Protocol must be replaced by arrangements that Unionists can support.
10 October 2012
Welfare Reform Bill Passed
MLAs have voted in favour of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill. The implementation of the Bill is being seen as the most substantial shake up of the welfare system and of social security benefits for decades.
Welfare Reform Bill Passed
MLAs have voted in favour of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill. The implementation of the Bill is being seen as the most substantial shake up of the welfare system and of social security benefits for decades.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
