Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

First, I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for acknowledging the sad passing of our dear friend and comrade, Emmet Stagg. On behalf of the Labour Party, I extend my condolences to Mary, Gillian and Henry and all Emmet's family and friends.

With the Taoiseach's surprise announcement today - I have wished him well personally already - it is impossible to suggest the Government can simply pretend to continue on the basis that this is business as normal. With his surprise announcement, the Taoiseach has destabilised the Government. What we have now seen unfolding is Fine Gael apparently deciding it will get to pick what will be a third rotating Taoiseach in four years, with less than a year to run in this Government. That is simply not on. I am calling on the Taoiseach to pay a visit to the Áras and call a general election. It is the people of Ireland, not members of Fine Gael, who should now decide who will lead the country through this unprecedented set of crises and challenges, not least the housing disaster with more than 4,000 children now homeless. We are calling on the Taoiseach to call a general election because this country needs a change of Government, not just a change of Fine Gael leader.

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