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.
(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.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2011
Irish Premier's 'Position In Peril'
Amidst increasing speculation that the Irish Republic's ruling Fianna Fáil party could be on the brink of a leadership change - as Brian Cowen's position remains perilous - a challenge from either senior Ministers or backbenchers has been mooted.
Irish Premier's 'Position In Peril'
Amidst increasing speculation that the Irish Republic's ruling Fianna Fáil party could be on the brink of a leadership change - as Brian Cowen's position remains perilous - a challenge from either senior Ministers or backbenchers has been mooted.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
24 September 2007
Brown Delivers Speech To Labour Party Conference
Gordon Brown has delivered his first speech to the annual Labour Party conference as Prime Minister, as speculation continues over whether he will call a snap election in the autumn. Mr Brown's speech at the Bournemouth conference focused on being tough on crime, improving the health service and education and dealing with immigration.
Brown Delivers Speech To Labour Party Conference
Gordon Brown has delivered his first speech to the annual Labour Party conference as Prime Minister, as speculation continues over whether he will call a snap election in the autumn. Mr Brown's speech at the Bournemouth conference focused on being tough on crime, improving the health service and education and dealing with immigration.
23 October 2003
IDS vows to lead Tories into next election
Embattled Tory party leader Iain Duncan Smith has pledged to fight on and lead the Conservative Party into the next election. At a press conference held today in the East Midlands, Mr Duncan Smith sought to focus on Tory party policy issues, while fielding questions from reporters about the speculation surrounding his future as Tory leader.
IDS vows to lead Tories into next election
Embattled Tory party leader Iain Duncan Smith has pledged to fight on and lead the Conservative Party into the next election. At a press conference held today in the East Midlands, Mr Duncan Smith sought to focus on Tory party policy issues, while fielding questions from reporters about the speculation surrounding his future as Tory leader.
05 September 2006
Woman seriously injured by Conservative minibus
A woman has suffered serious injuries after being hit by a minibus carrying Conservative party aides during David Cameron's four-day tour of India. The minibus was travelling along a road in Mumbai when it hit the local woman just after noon on Tuesday, local time.
Woman seriously injured by Conservative minibus
A woman has suffered serious injuries after being hit by a minibus carrying Conservative party aides during David Cameron's four-day tour of India. The minibus was travelling along a road in Mumbai when it hit the local woman just after noon on Tuesday, local time.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
