Labour Youth Weclomes the resignation of Taoiseach and calls for a general election

Issued : Wednesday 2 April, 2008

Speaking today on the resignation of the Taoiseach, the National Chairperson of Labour Youth Enda Duffy stated: "We in Labour Youth have believed that the Taoiseach's position has become even more untenable in recent weeks than it has been for some time now. While we accept that he has done some service for the country we are of the firm opinion that the disclosures in recent weeks have done more damage than good.

The revelations emerging from the Mahon Tribunal would lead even the most favourable commentators to the conclusion that the Taoiseach did in fact lie while giving evidence under oath.

What was truly pathetic in relation to this issue was the sycophantic and supine attitude of government ministers in their defence of the indefensible. Many ministers including Minister Coughlan, Minister Martin and Minister Hanafin all lined up to defend the Fianna Fail Party and its leader above the interest of the Irish State and its people.

We in Labour Youth hope now that Bertie Ahern will disclose all facts to the Tribunal and allow it conduct its business with brevity and without obstruction. Further to this we call on the next Taoiseach to seek a new mandate from the Irish people by calling a general election in the coming months.

END