Green Party in Irish gov't demands early elections

[November 22, 2010]  DUBLIN (AP) -- The Green Party in Ireland's shaky government has threatened to withdraw from the coalition unless Prime Minister Brian Cowen agrees to hold an early national election in January.

Green Party leader John Gormley says he wants the government to forge a four-year austerity plan and pass an emergency 2011 budget next month, then dissolve parliament early in the new year so that Ireland's shellshocked voters can pick a new government with a strong majority.

Cowen's Fianna Fail party requires support from six Green lawmakers to pass legislation and prevent an early election.

The demand came a day after Ireland had to ask for a massive bailout package from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

[Associated Press]

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