Healy Rae: Time for a General Election

Independent TDs are now adding to the pressure on what is left of the Coalition Government.

Jackie Healy Rae has issued a statement saying he can "no longer honour his word" to the Fianna Fáil-led Government and the time has come to go to the people.

He said all political parties should have the chance to offer their remedies for the situation, and for the Irish people to cast their own judgment.

Meanwhile, Deputy Michael Lowry has said Fine Gael and Labour should now sit down with the Finance Minister Brian Lenihan to reach agreement on budgetary targets, because "they are certain to be in government", possibly before the end of January.

He believes it is time for the two main opposition parties to show that they are "ready to take power", and they can exercise "responsible leadership".

Sinn Féin have said the election needs to be held before the end of the year.

Aonghus O'Snodaigh said waiting until the New Year is "too late".