Opposition condemns ‘shabby political stroke’

BRIAN Cowen’s administration was brought down by attempting a “shabby political stroke”, according to opposition parties.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore insisted there was no need for ministers to resign simply because they would not be standing at the election in a few weeks time.

“The Taoiseach attempted a stroke and it backfired. He ended up as a Taoiseach without authority. He no longer has the authority to do the most essential thing for a Taoiseach, which is to appoint the members of Government,” he said.

Mr Gilmore then fired the opening shot of the general election campaign.

He said the country had 50 days to decide on its future direction.

“This country and its people have gone through hell and fire over the last number of years. We need to restore hope and confidence in this country and fix a system that has been manifestly broken,” he said.

Mr Gilmore said the spectacle of the attempted Cabinet reshuffle made it look as if no one was in charge of Ireland and must have deterred any foreign business thinking of investing.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny strongly attacked the Taoiseach for showing “contempt” for voters and the Dáil, by not coming to the Oireachtas at the opening of business to inform TDs of the Cabinet situation. The Dáil had to be suspended after more than an hour of uproar as the opposition demanded the Taoiseach inform the House what was going on.

Mr Kenny said he was glad “clarity” had finally been brought to the election date and voters would be able to pass judgment on which party was best equipped to lead.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caolain said Mr Cowen was now a “lame duck Taoiseach leading a lame duck Government”.

FG finance spokesman Michael Noonan said the collapse of the Government had been the most extraordinary and chaotic he had ever witnessed.