Cowen crisis > Not just about his credibility but credibility of his Govt

Cowen & Co: It's the Government's credibility in question, not just Cowen's

THE crisis is not just about Brian Cowen's credibility, it's about the credibility of the Fianna Fáil/Green Government and their policies, Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said in Dublin on Saturday.

Mary Lou, who is challenging for a Dáil seat in former Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern’s Dublin Central constituency, said:

It is very clear that the Taoiseach and the Government are long past their sell-by date.

They should have resigned long ago.

This is not just an economic crisis. It is also a democratic crisis.

It's a democratic crisis because the Government has taken massive decisions with no mandate for them – including bringing in the IMF, doing a deal with them that heaps massive debt on the Irish people, bringing in a very harsh Budget of cuts and a five-year plan.

She said this not just about the personality of Brian Cowen or his personal credibility. It's about the credibility of the Fianna Fáil/Green Government and their policies.

The Sinn Féin deputy leader said it seems there is no appetite among the would-be leaders of Fianna Fáil to take over before the general election because they know their party is facing melt-down at the hands of the voters.

Clearly people have no shred of faith left in this Government and it should go.

But even more important is the need for new policies and a new direction. Their approach to the economic crisis has not worked. A new direction is needed.

Mary Lou McDonald was speaking as Sinn Féin’s Ard Chomhairle met to discuss the latest crisis engulfing Fianna Fáil and the Green Party and coming elections North and South.

Mary Lou McDonald with Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh in Dáil protest at IMF sell-out