Labour: Dissolve the Dáil

The Labour party today called on Taoiseach Brian Cowen to dissolve the Dáil after the Greens called for a General Election.

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said the electorate should be able to vote in a new government as early as next month.

He claimed the Greens "had finally recognised the Government was past its sell-by date".

“Fianna Fáil has made a mess of the country; they have crippled the economy and and brought national morale to an unprecedented low,” said Mr Gilmore.

“After 13 years of bad government and weeks of lying to the Irish people, the unprecedented decision taken on Sunday effectively represents the handing over of the deeds of the country to the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“It is essential that we have a new government elected as soon as possible.”

The Government was thrown into crisis after Green Party leader John Gormley said he wanted a date set now for a General Election in January.

The dramatic call came less than 24 hours after Cabinet ministers agreed to ask the IMF and Europe for a multi-billion euro bailout.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin O Caolain accused the Greens of cutting and running while denying the people an immediate general election.

“It is absolutely shameful that this party is denying the people an immediate general election and helping Fianna Fáil to inflict further massive damage on the Irish economy and Irish society,” said Mr O Caolain.

“The Green Party has played a disgraceful role in one of the worst cabinets that has ever governed in any country.

“We now have the unprecedented situation where a coalition partner has announced it is to pull out of a Government while at the same time preparing to help frame and vote for its Budget.”