Irish government in chaos as Greens quit coalition

The Irish government was plunged into chaos today as the junior coalition Green Party pulled out over the dramatic resignation of Taoiseach Brian Cowen as leader of the ruling Fianna Fail party.

John Gormley, leader and Environment Minister, said his party had lost patience with Fianna Fail and could no longer continue in government.

Mr Cowen yesterday bowed to pressure to quit as party leader after an epic week of political chaos, but the Taoiseach vowed to stay on as head of the coalition government until the March 11 general election.

Flanked by TDs and senators after crisis talks in Dublin, Mr Gormley said he believed an election was absolutely necessary.

"The Irish people have begun to lose confidence in politics and in the political process," he said.

"They have watched aghast the conduct in Dail Eireann (Irish parliament) of political parties.

"The Irish people expect and deserve better."