Irish parties gear up for election

DUBLIN, Ireland, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Ireland's three largest political parties launched their campaigns Wednesday for the upcoming parliamentary election.

Micheal Martin, the new leader of Fianna Fail, urged voters to trust the party with the government once again, The Irish Times reported. He said a coalition of Fine Gael and Labor would lead to "tug of war" government.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny pushed a five-point plan that includes cutting the government workforce. Eamon Gilmore of Labor said voters have an opportunity to put his party at the head of the government.

A poll released Wednesday showed Fine Gael ahead, followed by Labor with Fianna Fail trailing with only 16 percent support, barely ahead of Sinn Fein. The most likely outcome would be a Fine Gael-Labor coalition.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, who is standing for the Dail, attacked Labor, saying it is basically working to put Fine Gael in power.

The president dissolved Parliament on Tuesday and scheduled the election for Feb. 25. Prime Minister Brian Cowen announced his retirement.

"This election will define our economic future and decide whether Ireland moves forward from this recession, prolongs it or succumbs to it," Cowen said in his farewell speech.