A major national strategy is needed to kickstart the economy, the Labour Party said today.
TDs and Senators held a five-hour parliamentary party meeting in Leinster House to discuss political strategy ahead of next week’s return of the Dáil after the Christmas recess.
Leader Eamon Gilmore said he will demand a comprehensive Dáil debate on all aspects of the economic crisis.
“What is needed is a National Plan for Recovery which includes regrowing the Irish economy, restoring confidence to consumers and re-establishing credibility and competitiveness,” he said.
Mr Gilmore also reiterated calls for an early general election: “The people of the country should be given the opportunity as soon as possible to decide who should be running the country.”
Ruling out a future coalition with Fianna Fáil, he said: “I don’t see that, no. I don’t think we will be. I think you can take that as a prediction.”
On the banking crisis, the party said it would continue to push for a High Court inspector to be appointed to Anglo Irish Bank.
“There can be no question of people walking away into the sunset and not being held accountable for what happened there,” Mr Gilmore said.
He added: “We will not be party to any attempt to draw a veil of secrecy over the immoral and improper practices that led to the nationalisation of the bank.”
Labour also called for National Development Plan projects capable of providing jobs to be fast-tracked.
The party also discussed the forthcoming local and European elections in June.
PA