The Programme for Government is to be reviewed in the aftermath of the European and local elections, the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen confirmed this morning
Speaking to reporters on the campaign trail in Shannon, Co Clare, Mr Cowen also said there were no circumstances in which his resignation was required.
The Taoiseach said that while the Programme for Government would go ahead “we are going to obviously review it in the aftermath of the election.”
He was speaking after a weekend of intense speculation about the coalition's future, sparked off by Senator Dan Boyle, who had described various aspects of Government policy generally associated with Fianna Fáil as "a disaster".
"The policy of pump-priming the property boom has been a disaster. The light-touch regulation of our financial institutions has been a disaster. The awarding of excessive salary arrangements in the private sector, in the public sector and in political life has been a disaster," he said.
The Green Party chairman continued: "The policies pursued have not been Green Party policies, and yet we now find ourselves in Government having to deal with their consequences."
Most of the Green party elements of the programme for government had now been implemented, he said. "It is a document that is in need of review, and the period after these elections would be an ideal opportunity to do that."
“During elections, various proposals are put forward, we will discuss them. There is no problem with that. We are looking at a review of the programme after the election,” Mr Cown said today
He said the Green Party had not discussed the review directly with him. “They have made a statement over the weekend. We have responded and we get on with our business.”
Asked were there any circumstances in which he would resign, Mr Cowen said: “No, there are no circumstances in which my resignation is required whatever. We are here to lead the country. We have the next three years to do that and we intend doing it.
“We have the plans in place and we intend, I assure you, in leading this country out of the present difficulties back towards renewed prosperity. Fianna Fail has done it in the past and is going to do it again.”
He said Fianna Fail’s recent poor showing in the polls were of no concern.. “We have a long haul in terms of delivering on the policies. Obviously it has been a difficult year.
He added: “Everyone who is observing the situation, whether it’s the ESRI and people from outside the country recognise the direction the policies are being taken are the right policies.
“Are they imposing hardships and difficulties on our people? They certainly are. Is there is a reduction in our standard of living as a result? Yes, there is.
“But, what we’re doing is we’re having to do that in the interests of getting this country back up and running to the best extent possible, as quickly as possible.
“Without dealing with the issue of our public finances, we would be postponing the prospects of that recovery.
“So, it is the responsibility of Government to take the necessary decisions in the interests of the country and the alternative that is available have diametrically opposed, so called solutions, none of which are costed and none of which would work.
He added: “We are going to take whatever decisions that are required in the country’s interests.”