Menu
03/09/2009
Coalition Collapse Could Trigger Election
A Green Party member has signalled that a collapse of the Coalition Government could be on the cards, leading to a dramatic early General Election.
Dan Boyle, chairman of the coalition partner the Green Party, revealed during a radio interview this morning that he believed the probability of an election this year was "40:60".
A general election is not due until 2012, but Mr Boyle told RTÉ that "getting to January is going to be a challenge".
The news of the possible collapse comes at a bad time for the Government, who is already facing a number of crises over the controversial NAMA plans, the troubled economy, an upcoming vital referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and recent figures showing an all time low approval rating for Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
A TNS mrbi poll in today's Irish Times shows that 15% of voters are satisfied with the way the Taoiseach is doing his job, which is a fall of 6% since May. Support for Fianna Fáil has also slumped to 17%, down 3% since May.
Labour is up 1% to 24%, putting it firmly in second place, while Sinn Féin has gained 2% to 10%.
Fine Gael is also down by 2% to 34%, which is exactly twice as much support as Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party remains unchanged at 3%.
Despite the troubling news, Pat Carey of Fianna Fail told RTÉ that while the next hundred days would be difficult, the coalition would survive.
"There is always the possibility of banana skins and accidents; that aside I believe the government will get through this year and will continue till 2012," he said.
(DW/BMcc)
Dan Boyle, chairman of the coalition partner the Green Party, revealed during a radio interview this morning that he believed the probability of an election this year was "40:60".
A general election is not due until 2012, but Mr Boyle told RTÉ that "getting to January is going to be a challenge".
The news of the possible collapse comes at a bad time for the Government, who is already facing a number of crises over the controversial NAMA plans, the troubled economy, an upcoming vital referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and recent figures showing an all time low approval rating for Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
A TNS mrbi poll in today's Irish Times shows that 15% of voters are satisfied with the way the Taoiseach is doing his job, which is a fall of 6% since May. Support for Fianna Fáil has also slumped to 17%, down 3% since May.
Labour is up 1% to 24%, putting it firmly in second place, while Sinn Féin has gained 2% to 10%.
Fine Gael is also down by 2% to 34%, which is exactly twice as much support as Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party remains unchanged at 3%.
Despite the troubling news, Pat Carey of Fianna Fail told RTÉ that while the next hundred days would be difficult, the coalition would survive.
"There is always the possibility of banana skins and accidents; that aside I believe the government will get through this year and will continue till 2012," he said.
(DW/BMcc)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 December 2010
Coalition Push Election Date To March
An apparent row between members of the coalition has resulted in the likely date for the next election being pushed back until 2010.
Coalition Push Election Date To March
An apparent row between members of the coalition has resulted in the likely date for the next election being pushed back until 2010.
20 September 2011
FF Won't Back Presidential Candidates
Fianna Fail (FF) has decided that they will not back independent candidates in the presidential election. It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy. Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
FF Won't Back Presidential Candidates
Fianna Fail (FF) has decided that they will not back independent candidates in the presidential election. It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy. Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
08 June 2009
Labour Claim Best Local Election Result Ever
The Irish Labour Party have claimed they have had their best local election result ever. Counting is still continuing in the Local Elections but so far Labour have made gains throughout the country. The party's candidates polled 17% nationally, and seeing many first-time candidates taking seats on Ireland's councils.
Labour Claim Best Local Election Result Ever
The Irish Labour Party have claimed they have had their best local election result ever. Counting is still continuing in the Local Elections but so far Labour have made gains throughout the country. The party's candidates polled 17% nationally, and seeing many first-time candidates taking seats on Ireland's councils.
22 November 2010
Green Party Call For January Election
The Green Party has called for a General Election to be held in January 2011, in the wake of the weekends acceptance of the bank bailout. At a specially convened news conference this morning, John Gormley said his party wanted an election in the second half of January next year.
Green Party Call For January Election
The Green Party has called for a General Election to be held in January 2011, in the wake of the weekends acceptance of the bank bailout. At a specially convened news conference this morning, John Gormley said his party wanted an election in the second half of January next year.
21 September 2011
Norris Secures 12 Backers
Independent Senator David Norris has secured the backing of 12 Oireachtas members, just over half of what he needs to gain a place on Presidential ballot papers in the Irish Republic. Senator Katherine Zappone and TD Richard Boyd Barrett are among the parliamentarians to sign Senator Norris's nomination papers.
Norris Secures 12 Backers
Independent Senator David Norris has secured the backing of 12 Oireachtas members, just over half of what he needs to gain a place on Presidential ballot papers in the Irish Republic. Senator Katherine Zappone and TD Richard Boyd Barrett are among the parliamentarians to sign Senator Norris's nomination papers.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
