Lowry: Budget must be passed in national interest
Independent TD Michael Lowry has said it is vital that agreement is reached on a Budget "in the national interest".
Mr Lowry said: "For Fine Gael and Labour to simply shy back from reality and refuse to engage now with the Government and reach agreement on a budget would be a complete abdication of their imminent responsibilities.
"It would demonstrate a greater appetite for political advantage than a readiness to exercise responsible leadership."
Fellow Independent Jackie Healy-Rae said earlier that it was possible he would not support the Budget.
Earlier today, the Greens called time on the Government and said an election should be held in January.
Meanwhile, dozens of protestors have attempted to storm government buildings this afternoon.
Just after 1.30pm today, 100 or so Sinn Féin protestors marched from Kildare Street to Government Buildings on Merrion Street.
When they reached the gate at Government Buildings, they pushed it open and dozens of them entered the courtyard.
Gardaí and the army quickly sealed off the entrance and the protesters left after a standoff lasting a few minutes.
It came just hours after the Greens said they wanted to pass the Budget and negotiate the loans with the IMF, but that the Taoiseach must immediately set the date for a General Election in the latter part of January.
Meanwhile Independent Jackie Healy Rae says he is withdrawing his support after what he says were the "blatant lies" told by the Taoiseach and Ministers over the past 10 days.
The Kerry South TD says it is possible that he will not support the Budget.
Tipperary North Independent TD Michael Lowry said that while his vote was no longer guaranteed, he believed that the Budget had to be passed in the national interest.
