Opposition parties have called for a general election to be called immediately following this morning's announcement that the Green Party is seeking an election in January.
Fine Gael party leader Enda Kenny said an election was required in order to provide the clarity and certainty" essential to the country’s economic recovery.
"The move by the Green Party this morning was presumably intended to provide clarity in terms of the date for an election – what has actually happened is further uncertainty has been created," said Mr Kenny.
"What is needed now is an immediate general election so that a new government, with a clear parliamentary majority, can prepare the four year economic plan, complete negotiations with the EU and IMF and frame a budget for 2011," he added.
The Labour Party also said it was essential that a new government be elected as soon as possible.
Party leader Eamon Gilmore said the Government had shown it was incapable of leading the country to economic recovery. He said any new government would face a huge challenge to undo the economic and social damage done by Fianna Fáil.
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said today’s announcement showed the Greens were preparing to "cut and run" and predicted they would pay electorally for their role in government.
“It is absolutely shameful that this party is denying the people an immediate general election and helping Fianna Fáil to inflict further massive damage on the Irish economy and Irish society," he said.
"Today’s announcement means that the Greens are to cut and run - to help Fianna Fáil to impose savage budget cuts, to put the State in the hands of the IMF and then run for their political lives."
Former Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said the Green Party's attempt to distinguish themselves apart from Fianna Fáil would not succeed.
'The Green Party have been enthusiastic supporters of everything that this Government has done...suddenly today they seem to have discovered there are reasons why this Government is not in the best interests of the country,” he said. “Of course they are right about this. This Government has never been in the right interests of the country and the sooner it goes the better."