LEADERS' MEETING:TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen said the Government and main Opposition parties were "on the same pitch" in agreeing that the budget deficit needed to be reduced to 3 per cent by 2014.
He was speaking at the conclusion of talks with the leaders of the Green Party, Fine Gael and Labour to establish what common ground existed in response to the crisis in the public finances.
“I don’t think it was ever the case that we would have full, detailed agreement on all aspects but the fact that we are all on the same pitch in terms of getting to this 3 per cent deficit reduction by 2014 shouldn’t be underestimated.
“That’s an important message in itself to send internationally to the investment community, and there is a sense of responsibility by the Opposition in that respect.”
Mr Cowen described the discussion, involving John Gormley, Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore, as both "constructive" and "civilised" in an interview on the RTÉ Six-One Newsyesterday.
“Obviously, we have political differences and everyone knows that, but it was a good opportunity for me as Taoiseach to outline where I believe the national interest lies.
“A sense of responsibility does exist among the main Opposition parties regarding that, and that should be acknowledged, but we obviously have further work and engagement to do as a Government.
“We as a Government have work to do to bring forward the four-year plan. The Opposition have their own role to play, but they’ll do it as responsibly as they can.”
He said an election at this time would bring confusion rather than clarity when the immediate priority was that a four-year budgetary plan had to be produced by mid-November. The Government had “a role to play until May 2012 at the latest”. He believed “an election, with all of the various manifestos put out there”, would sound more confusion than clarity.
Mr Cowen said people expected there to be a “constructive” debate on the economy in the Dáil next week, and that would take place.
Department of Finance officials would remain available to continue briefing the Opposition parties and to cost any proposals which they put forward to help tackle the deficit in the public finances. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan would also be available to Opposition finance spokespersons to exchange analyses.
A Government statement released after the meeting said Mr Cowen had delivered his view that it would be in the national interest to have clarity about the country’s determination to restore fiscal stability. It said the party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the deficit in the public finances with a view to reducing it to 3 per cent of GDP by 2014.
Green Party leader John Gormley accepted the consensus approach would not be continued.
Expressing disappointment the Opposition had not been agreeable to engagement or agreement on more issues, he said he was a realist and always knew that the process might not be successful.
“The Opposition were clearly of the view that this process should not be on a formal basis. It’s very clear and I’ve always said I had no illusions about the difficulty of achieving consensus. I have to say that I am disappointed that we could not have reached consensus on more matters because I believe it’s in the national interest.”
He dismissed the suggestion the initiative was posturing by the Green Party to ensure its survival. “There was never a case of me acting in a political way. I was acting in a sincere way.” He said notwithstanding that, there was some agreement, notably on the 3 per cent target, the continuing exchange of information with the Opposition, and the Dáil debate.
Asked was there anything new agreed at the meeting, he said it was agreed there would be further engagement on an informal basis between finance spokespeople.
“I am a realist as well. I understand that Opposition parties want to behave in a traditional way. That’s their prerogative,” he said.
“I am disappointed that there was not the degree of consensus that was necessary.” He rejected the contention Mr Cowen had “dragged his heels”. He said the Taoiseach’s invitation showed he was sincere in his efforts and agreed it was important.