Sinn Féin leader: 'The case for a general election couldn't be stronger'  

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said “the case for a general election couldn’t be stronger” and has called for the support of Independent TDs from Cork and across the country not to vote with the Government in electing Simon Harris as Taoiseach on April 9.

Ms McDonald made the comments ahead of a visit to Cork today to fulfil a number of engagements and campaign with Sinn Féin local election candidates.

Out-of-touch

“The case for a general election couldn’t be stronger,” said Ms McDonald. “This is a tired, out-of-touch Government that has run out of time.

“The idea that they would install a third Taoiseach and limp on simply to cling to power is not in the best interests of the people or the country.

“It is time for the people to be given their say in a general election. They should decide who forms and leads the Government.”

Ms McDonald claimed that the Government “is only able to continue with the backing of Independent TDs”.

“I’m calling on Independent TDs from Cork and throughout the State not to allow this charade to continue,” she said.

“I’m asking them to stand with workers and families in their constituencies who have been so badly let down and who have had enough of this failed Government.

“I’m asking them to seize the moment to let the people have their say in an election.”

Mandate

Ms McDonald claimed that the public would like to see an early general election held, adding: “If Simon Harris wants to be Taoiseach he should seek that mandate... call a general election.”

Speaking in recent days, new Fine Gael leader Simon Harris ruled out an early general election, stating he wants the Coalition to run its full term.

His ascent to the leadership of the party was sparked by the shock resignation of Leo Varadkar. Mr Harris is set to replace Mr Varadkar as Taoiseach when the Dáil returns after Easter.

However, opposition parties have used Mr Varadkar’s resignation as an opportunity to call for an early general election.

If the coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party runs its full term in Government, an election must be held by March 22 next year.

Mr Harris said: “I want to get this Government back to work, I want to deliver for people, I want to implement the programme for government, and I want to renew my party right across the country.

“It is my view and my intention that this Government should run full term.”