“Ireland’s Government looks set to be the first to fall as a result of the euro zone debt crisis following the Green Party’s decision to pull out of the coalition.”
– Financial Times
“Ireland is now facing arguably the worst crisis in its history as an independent nation.”
– Financial Times editorial
“There is now recognition on all sides that the political squabbling was damaging Ireland’s reputation abroad.”
– BBC online
“Ireland’s political turmoil deepened yesterday after the Green Party abandoned the governing coalition with the Fianna Fáil party of Prime Minister Brian Cowen, raising fresh doubts about Mr Cowen’s ability to cling to office beyond the next few days and prompting new questions about Ireland’s commitments under the $114 billion bailout plan for its economy negotiated with international lenders.”
– New York Times
The collapse reflects a wider debt crisis in Europe: Greece required a bailout before Ireland did, many analysts predict Portugal will be next, and several other nations that use the euro are adopting austerity measures.
– Washington Post
“The government of Prime Minister Brian Cowen is now under intense pressure to call elections before the scheduled date of March 11th.”
– Le Figaro
“The Greens’ departure and Cowen’s resignation as leader of his Fianna Fáil party on Saturday deepens the crisis sparked by Dublin’s acceptance of an international bailout in November following the country’s financial meltdown.”
– Sydney Morning Herald
“The Greens’ move delivered the coup de grace to a government that over the past week has spectacularly imploded in full view of a weary and apprehensive electorate.”
– Wall Street Journal
“Four candidates have launched a battle to lead Ireland’s governing party after troubled Prime Minister Brian Cowen quit the post following a series of crises that forced him to announce snap polls.”
– The Times of India