Cowen announces election date and reassigns ministries

Ireland will go to the polls to elect a new government on Friday, March 11.

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen made the announcement in the Dáil as he reassigned the portfolio's of the six Government Minister's who have resigned in recent days.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan will take control of the Department of Health and Children, Transport becomes the responsibility of Pat Carey, Brendan Smith takes on Justice, Mary Hanafin assumes responsibility for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, while Eamon O'Cuiv will be responsible for the Department of Defence.

All Ministers will also maintain their own portfolios.

The Taoiseach said the coalition Government would continue in power until the Finance Bill, giving effect to Budget 2011, and other important legislation is passed.

The Taoiseach said: "The main task of Government has been to secure the best interests of the nation in challenging times, and its the Government's intention to continue with this until the spring."

"I believe it is important in the weeks ahead that the Government gives legislative effect to the Budget through the enactment of the Finance Bill and other related Bills which benefit the people.

“There‘s nothing more important than doing precisely that.”