Irish finance bill passes first critical vote -- now certain to pass

Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 07:03 AM

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The Irish finance bill passed its critical first step in the Irish parliament today after two independents withdrew their opposition to the bill.

They had threatened to vote against it, triggering an immediate General Election.

One of them, Michael Lowry, announced that he and his colleague Jackie Healy Rae would now back the bill after consultations with the Finance Minister Brian Lenihan (photo).

If it had been defeated it would also have raised major questions about the EU/IMF rescue package for the Irish economy after the recent crash.

As it currently stands the finance bill is now expected to go through all stages by Monday or Tuesday next triggering the General Election, now likely set for February 25th.

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Dublinjas | Jan 27, 2011, 06:46 AM EST

To pass such a bill and put such a burden on the backs of the Irish people, that is not of their making, is nothing short of Treason, So each and every one of you who voted in support of this bill should now take yourselves off too fcuk and live in Europe where you belong you arsehole Traitors.

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peterquinn | Jan 26, 2011, 01:05 PM EST

Once again, that old saying from the American West about bankers and mine workers is proved true: When the crunch comes, the banks and their friends get the gold, and the people and their children get the shaft.

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