Political Shitstorm in Ireland

[Dóchas]

Over the past two weeks Fianna Fáil, the ruling party in Ireland has come under huge amounts of pressure from the Irish public, the Dáil as well as rebellious TDs (MP) from the party itself.

It all started about 2 weeks ago when it came out that Brian Cowen, Taoiseach (PM), had met with Seán Fitzpatrick, chairman of Anglo-Irish Bank, the bank that has become the image of the recession in Ireland. After blatantly lying about the meeting Cowen faced a leadership challenge from minister of foreign affairs Micheál Martin. After surviving this heave from numerous ministers Brian Cowen was flying high, throwing his weight around the dáil but yet more was to come. The following day 4 prominent ministers resigned. Although aware of this, Cowen effectively lied to his coalition partners, The Greens, about the number and how the ministers were to resign. It was this that eventually led to Brian Cowen stepping down as the leader of the Fianna Fáil party, yet remaining on as Taoiseach.

This is the weird thing. I dont understand how such a political fuckup can happen and he resigns as party leader but remains as Taoiseach? He claims he is the democratically elected leader but after abusing his powers so much I cant believe he can get away with this.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0122/breaking5.html

Anyone been following this? Opinions?

[Rusty Shackleford]

is there any sign that the government may collapse as it almost did in italy recently?

[Dóchas]

Its very possible that it will fall before the general election that has been called for the 11th of march but no one really knows. Everyone thought that after the leadership challenge thing would subside but they have gotten progressively worse. Fingers crossed it falls, im tired of hearing politicians saying "moving forward" when discussing the state of the country!

[Rusty Shackleford]

Thats what i thought. Cowen's move must have upset nearly everyone in the government.

[Dóchas]

Ye the general consensus is that he has completely isolated himself from any allies he had left. Theres a motion of no confidence called by Labour or Fine Gael on Tuesday i think but i think 18 signatures from Fianna Fáil TDs are needed for him to step down as Taoiseach.

[FreeEire]

i think but i think 18 signatures from Fianna Fáil TDs are needed for him to step down as Taoiseach.
Nope, this was required to force him to step down as leader of Fianna Fail,but he resigned today and so that's now irrelevant.

To remove him as Taoiseach, a motion of no confidence must be tabled and receive majority support from the 166 TDs in the Dail Eireann. If that happened, he'd be under severe pressure to hand his resignation to the President and immediate general elections would be required (minimum of 3 weeks notice required by law).

Its an absolutely scandalous situation,and he should hand in his resignation now and have elections as soon as possible. But these elections will mean nothing for the left, as a right wing Fine Gael/Labour coalition is extremely likely.

[Dóchas]

Its an absolutely scandalous situation,and he should hand in his resignation now and have elections as soon as possible.


Yes hes lost all credibility as a leader and should step down immediately.


But these elections will mean nothing for the left, as a right wing Fine Gael/Labour coalition is extremely likely.


The ULA hope to make huge progress in the next election, hopefully 6 seats. If this is achieved it will become the real opposition to the inevitable right wing coalition. Joe Higgins is great but he can take them all on on his own!

http://www.unitedleftalliance.org/

[Dóchas]

As of now 15:45 the Green Party has pulled the plug on the government and that coalition has fallen. It's about fucking time in my opinion. Hopefully we will have an election soon enough, not that it will do us any good, but just to end the political monopoly that Fianna Fáil has had for that last 15 or so years.

[crazyirish93]

unfortunately they are still going to pass the finance bill first.

[Dóchas]

Yes its undoubtedly going to be passed unless something exceptional comes out but i cant see that happening, it seems to be the only thing that all the main parties actually agree on. General election will probably be in the middle of February, they have to allow a few weeks for canvassing