Debate of no-confidence motion under way in Dáil

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny challenged the Taoiseach to dissolve the Dáil and call a General Election as a debate on a Fine Gael motion of no-confidence in the Government began this afternoon.

The Cabinet spent the morning working on a counter motion, and is expected to win the vote tomorrow by about six votes.

Enda Kenny said Brian Cowen and his Government had no mandate following the results of last Friday's elections.

Mr Kenny said: "If you have any respect for the Irish people - who you now lead politically - you will accept that following Friday’s disaster for your Government and for your colleagues in Government you have no mandate and no authority within your Government."

However the Taoiseach defended his Government's right to govern, insisting he still has a mandate.

"What people are fed up with, by the way deputy, in my opinion is the continuing negativity that you're portraying," he said, addressing the opposition leader.

"Clear messages I’ve received is of course we seek to listen to the concerns of the people within the changed economic circumstances we have to confront, but by the same token we will get on with the job because that job needs to be done and we will do it."