FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny last night said the attempt at consensus had come to an end and there would be no further meetings between party leaders.
Mr Kenny – speaking outside Leinster House – said Fianna Fáil had brought the country to the brink of losing its sovereign independence and only a new government would have credibility in dealing with the crisis.
He said Fine Gael would now bring forward an alternative four-year plan, in addition to a pre-budget submission.
He indicated the substantial difference between the approach of Fine Gael and that of the Government parties was that Fianna Fáil and the Greens were proposing a solution too narrow in scope.
Fine Gael, he said, would not only emphasise fiscal and economic matters as the Government was doing but would also address growth, jobs and reform in its four-year plan, which would be unveiled before the budget.
Mr Kenny gave a largely positive assessment of the engagement involving the four party leaders, saying it was a constructive exercise. He also emphasised reaching common agreement on the 3 per cent target for 2014 was important and significant, and would give reassurance to international bond markets.
“We agree with the 3 per cent target by 2014. We also agree that our approach is based not just on [an] austerity programme but a strong recovery programme that has growth, jobs and reform.”
He said Fine Gael would support any aspect of the Government’s plan that took Fine Gael’s viewpoint or suggestions on board.
“Fine Gael will support strongly what’s supported from us and oppose what we believe is wrong,” he added.
He said that the electorate was demanding to be told the full truth of the situation.
“[People] want to know the full scale of the problem. They want a situation where a party is prepared to lead, to tell them what the programme is.”
He added that only a general election would give credibility to a programme.
“I made the point to the Taoiseach that the factor that would bring most credibility now is a general election. There is now a time for truth and the spotlight of truth shines on politics.”
He said his party would outline some of its approach to the four-year plan during the two-day debate in the Dáil next week.