Cowen refuses to bow to election calls

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen has refused to bow to public and political pressure for a general election saying serving the country's interests came above party politics.

The Taoiseach said the most important thing for Ireland was the passing of the crucial six billion euro savings in Budget 2011 on December 7.

"The interests of the electorate, of all the people, will not be served by delaying or worse still casting into doubt the steps which are necessary to secure our economic and financial futures," Mr Cowen said.

The Taoiseach confirmed however he would seek the dissolution of the Dail (parliament) when legislative actions have been taken - the passing of Budget 2011, the publication of a four-year fiscal plan and confirmation of bail-out loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Europe.