SF tables motion of no confidence

Sinn Féin has today signalled a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

The party's Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called on all TDs opposed to Mr Cowen's leadership to vote no confidence in him.

The motion has been tabled by all four Sinn Féin TDs - Mr Ó Caoláin, Arthur Morgan, Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Martin Ferris.

Speaking today, Mr Ó Caoláin said Mr Cowen should have dissolved the Dáil last night as he no longer commands a majority.

"Are we to continue with this charade which is an insult to the Irish people?" the Cavan-Monaghan TD said.

"They are being denied a democratic choice because Fianna Fáil and the Greens want to put the people in the straitjacket of a savage and regressive budget, a four-year plan and an IMF/EU loan before a general election.

"Brian Cowen and his Government should go and go now,” he added.