Irish election date to be brought forward

Green Party pulls out of government after Brian Cowen’s decision to quit as Fianna Fáil leader.

The date of the general election in Ireland is likely to be brought forward after the Green Party pulled out of the governing coalition.

Irish media reported today that the election is likely to be held either on 18 or 25 February if the minority government, led by Brian Cowen, and opposition parties can agree on the timing of legislation to change the tax system and on spending cuts. Opposition parties want the legislation passed by the end of this week.

The legislation is crucial to the €67.5 billion bail-out Ireland received from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Cowen’s coalition agreed to overhaul Ireland’s banking sector and to cut its deficit to below 3% of gross domestic product by 2015 as a condition of the bail-out.
Opposition parties are threatening to file a motion of no confidence against the prime minister and his government if the legislation is not passed quickly. The centre-right Fine Gael and centre-left Labour parties are keen for an early election to take advantage of Fianna Fáil’s collapse in support.

The Greens announced they were pulling out of the coalition on Sunday (23 January) after Cowen announced he was resigning as leader of Fianna Fáil to improve the electoral prospects of his party. The Greens said they would co-operate on passing the financial legislation on the condition that the election was brought forward.

Cowen announced last week that elections would be held on 11 March after the Greens blocked his attempts to re-shuffle his cabinet. Cowen attempted the re-shuffle after seven ministers, including Micheál Martin, the foreign minister, resigned.

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Martin is seen as the frontrunner to take over Fianna Fáil’s leadership. Brian Lenihan, the finance minister, is also vying for the leadership.

A spokesman for the European Commission said it was “crucial” that the Irish parliament passes the finance bill, which implements the 2011 budget, before the elections. “We think it is important for Ireland’s stability and credibility that this finance bill is passed soon,” said the spokesman.

He added that the Commission was reassured by comments made by Irish political parties that they would pass the finance bill before the Irish parliament adjourns for elections.