Greens furious at 'co-ordinated resignation' of Cabinet Ministers

The Green Party Leader John Gormley has spoken with the Taoiseach this morning to express his concerns over the five Cabinet vacancies.

The party is unhappy at what it calls "the co-ordinated resignation" of four more Ministers last night.

Health Minister Mary Harney, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey and Minister for Defence Tony Killeen all announced they were stepping down last night.

Micheál Martin also resigned as Minister for Foreign Affairs on Tuesday although the Brian Cowen announced yesterday he will fill the position himself for the time-being.

The Green Party Chairman Dan Boyle said the party feels "uncomfortable" about the expected Cabinet re-shuffle.

The Greens are to discuss it further during the day and it could lead to them walking from government immediately, but Senator Boyle is signalling they are willing to bargain.

He has indicated that the party could refuse to ratify any new Ministers, without getting a firm timelime on the passing of legislation and the general election.

Another option would be for the remaining members of Cabinet to double up in jobs, as happened before when Labour left government in 1987.