Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen says he’s not going to quit because he is determined to pass an emergency budget and negotiate a massive EU-IMF bailout despite signs that his government is unraveling.
Cowen says he still hopes to win parliamentary approval Dec. 7 for a budget that would slash 6 billion ($8.2 billion) from the 2011 deficit.
He also wants to remain in power long enough to reach a deal with European Union and IMF banking experts on a bailout fund expected to reach nearly 100 billion ($136 billion).
Cowen spoke Monday hours after the junior party in his government, the Greens, announced it intends to force a government collapse in January after the budget and bailout have been approved.
Opposition leaders want an election now.