The General Election will take place on Friday the 11th of March.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen made the announcement in the Dail as he re-assigned the portfolio’s of six Government Minister’s who’ve resigned in recent days.
Tanaiste 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 which has been vacated by Clare’s Tony Killeen
All Ministers will also maintain their own portfolio’s.
The Taoiseach says 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.
None of the Green Party were present in the Dáil chamber for the announcement following an earlier crisis meeting of the Junior Coalition partner and the suspension of the dail following chaotic scenes,
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny says the whole affairs smacks of desperation by Fianna Fail, while Labour’s Eamon Gilmore says it’s clear to him the Taoiseach has lost the authority of his Government.
