A CALL by the Labour leader for clarity on the timing of the general election led to sharp exchanges with the Minister for Finance.

Eamon Gilmore said Brian Lenihan should indicate to the House the Government’s intention regarding the dissolution of the Dáil and the holding of the election.

Mr Lenihan replied: “I am very happy to deal with the matter because, once again, Deputy Gilmore has displayed considerable constitutional ignorance.” He urged Mr Gilmore “to get in training for the high offices to which he aspires”, adding that the Government did not dissolve the Dáil and had no function in the matter.

“The President dissolves the Dáil on the advice of the Taoiseach and that is a matter that lies between the President and the Taoiseach,” Mr Lenihan added.

Mr Gilmore said he could assure the Minister he was very familiar with the provisions of the Constitution.

He was so familiar, in fact, that “I understand the constitutional requirement to be that the Taoiseach should offer his resignation when he no longer commands the support of a majority of members of the House”.

That was manifestly the case at this time, he said.

Ceann Comhairle Séamus Kirk intervened to say that there could not be a debate on the matter.

Mr Gilmore said the Constitution clearly stated that the Taoiseach should submit his resignation to the President when he no longer had the support of a majority of members of the Dáil.

“That is clearly the case currently, and there is a precedent for this,” he added.

“It is a matter for the President to allow the Taoiseach to continue in a caretaker capacity.”

Mr Gilmore asked when the Taoiseach intended to comply with the constitutional provisions, submit his resignation to the President and make arrangements for the dissolution of the Dáil.

Mr Kirk moved on to the next business.