#IRELAND: Head Of Fine Gael Pty Criticized By His Party For Saying Sinn Féin Coalition "Unlikely"

[world politics news]

Ireland's head of government (Taoiseach) and leader of the Fine Gael Party is taking heat for suggesting that a coalition government with Sinn Féin would be unlikely "in  the near future." Officials in his own party said such an unlikely coalition wasn't impossible, however, and some took him to task for even speculating, one legislator pointing out that since Kenny won't lead Fine Gael into the next election, he wouldn't be involved in any coalition talks. Others said his comments were justified considering that his party's ruled out a coalition with the Fianna Fáil Party.


[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRELAND: Enda Kenny Announces Feb. 26 General Election Date

[world politics news]

Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny has asked Irish President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the parliament (Dáil) Kenny said that the Dáil will meet again on 10 March. The 32nd Dáil will have 158 seats, eight fewer than the previous one, and the number of constituencies has been reduced to 40 from 43. Kenny has been in office for almost five years, leading a Fine Gael/Labour coalition government since March 2011.

#IRELAND: Half Of Cabinet Will Be Women If Gov't Re-Elected, Says Taoiseach

[world politics news]

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny says he intends to have equal numbers of men and women in his next cabinet if he retains power. Out of the 15 current ministers in Cabinet, four are women. As of the next election, 30% of parties' candidates are required to be women. Parties who fail to meet this target will face severe financial penalties.

#IRELAND: Charges of "Thuggery" After Dep. PM Trapped in Car During Violent Protest Over New Water Utility Charges

[world politics news]

Government Ministers condemned as a "kidnapping" a violent protest Saturday in which Deputy PM Joan Burton was trapped in her car for over two hours. Protesters are upset by a new government plan to charge for water. On Tuesday, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny’s car was attacked and blocked.

#IRELAND: New Budget Aims to Reduce "Too Heavy" Tax Burden on Low- and Middle-Income Taxpayers

[world politics news]

Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

IRELAND: Taoiseach Kenny Denies Rift in Cabinet over Abortion Legislation [world politics blog]