27/02/2009

Cowen's Troubles Grow As 50% Want General Election

Half of voters want an election immediately with news also emerging that just 10% of voters are reported to be satisfied with the Government's performance during the current recession.

There's increasing grass-roots discontent with Dáil policies in the professions too as opposition to planned cuts of around €90m per year have forced the Health Service Executive (HSE) into a corner.

They are set to resume talks with junior doctors' representatives today in a bid to avert industrial action over cost-cutting measures.

A stunning 99% of junior hospital doctors have already voted to take action, up to and including a strike, if the HSE proceeds with a plan to cut overtime and allowances.

The HSE suspended the introduction of the cuts last week to allow for talks at the Labour Relations Commission, which began on Monday.

This adds yet more to Taoiseach Brain Cowen's woes as, according to a new opinion poll published this morning, more than 50% of respondents to the Millward Brown IMS poll in the Irish Independent said they would like to see an immediate general election.

The poll also showed that support for Fianna Fáil is now just 25%, down 17 points from the last election, with Fine Gael on 30% (+3) and the Labour Party on 22% (+12).

The Greens, meanwhile, still have 5% support, with Sinn Féin also unchanged on 7%.

(BMcC/JM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 January 2016
Fianna Fáil Say Voters Facing Tough Choice In Coming Election
Voters are facing a choice between a government "intent on driving a two-tier recovery" or electing a new government founded on fairness, according to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.
30 October 2018
Fine Gael Candidate Calls For Ban On Election Posters
Fine Gael has called for a widespread ban on election posters and suggested Waterford as a trial area at the next election.
15 January 2020
General Election: FG Urged To Implement New Electoral Register
The Minister for Local Government is under pressure to bring forward the new Electoral Register and ensure thousands of new voters can have their say in next month's election.
24 April 2014
FG Launch Digital Media Election Campaign
Fine Gael have launched their digital media campaign ahead of next months Local and European Elections, with two dedicated micro-sites, developed by digital partners, Webfactory, that will act as a user-friendly online resource, allowing voters to access information about Fine Gael candidates.
04 December 2014
FG And Labour Ratings Slump
Fine Gael and Labour's ratings have significantly dropped, while independents and smaller parties have won substantial increases, according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI opinion poll. Fine Gael have dropped 5 percentage points to 19%, while Labour's approval has fallen 3 points to 6%.