Read more: Irish leader promises election after budget measures passed- SEE VIDEO

Read more: Niall O'Dowd - There will be massive changes after this historic Irish election will take place

Fianna Fail TD, Tom Kitt is one of five rebel-deputies who want a change to the leader of their party.

Kitt has said that he is actively seeking signatures for a motion of no confidence in Brian Cowen. Eighteen signatures are needed for the motion to be passed.

Brian Cowen, currently, continues to defy calls for his resignation, insisting that the Budget must be passed before a General Election can take place. Cowen plans to dissolve the Dail in the New Year after the four-year plan has been announced and the Budget has been passed. 

Deputy Kitt said that it would be preferable for Brian Cowen to propose a motion of confidence in his own leadership, get a mandate from the parliamentary party and continue in his job.  

Kitt said “I have concerns about the Taoiseach's style of leadership…The times we're living in requires a collaborative approach to leadership and I've seen, unfortunately, flaws in that area.” 

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Olli Rehn, the EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner, has said that it is essential that the Budget is passed in the timeline which has already been laid out.  

Rehn said that every day that passes increases uncertainty and increases the economic and social cost. He said Ireland needs to adopt the Budget as soon as possible and move on. He added that he did not have a position on domestic politics but added that political stability is important.  

On Monday evening, having address the nation, Brian Cowen telephoned the leaders of the opposition parties, Fine Gael and Labour, last night emphasizing the need for the Budget to be passed on December 7.  

Cowen did not asked the opposition leaders for support on the Budget but said that they would not have access to officials in the Department of Finance and other Government departments.  

Deputy Leader of Fine Gael, Dr Jame Reilly reiterated, on Monday, that his party still called for an immediate General Election. He insisted that the four-year plan should be implemented by a Government that will be in place for the full period.  

The Labour Party said that although Brian Cowen may have numbers to pass the Budget the Government would not be given a blank check. Sinn Fein said that Brian Cowen was simply clinging to power.

The full details of the four-year plan will be announced on Wednesday.

Read more: Irish leader promises election after budget measures passed- SEE VIDEO

Read more: Niall O'Dowd - There will be massive changes after this historic Irish election will take place