Gormley open to idea of national government

Environment Minister John Gormley today admitted the idea of a national unity government may be worthy of consideration.

The Green Party leader said consensus is needed among all political parties on tax increases and expenditure cuts in order to lead the country out of economic crisis.

Such a national government could be considered for an agreed period of time, and possibly after the next election, Minister Gormley said.

However, Fine Gael has repeatedly ruled out any prospect of entering such an agreement.

The Government is currently working on a four-year budgetary plan, details of which will be announced next month.

Minister Gormley said today that the problems now facing the country go beyond party politics.

"We are in a very difficult situation," he said.