Green Party leader John Gormley says he wants the government to forge a four-year austerity plan and pass an emergency 2011 budget next month, then dissolve parliament early in the new year so that Ireland's shellshocked voters can pick a new government with a strong majority.
Cowen's Fianna Fail party requires support from six Green lawmakers to pass legislation and prevent an early election.
The demand came a day after Ireland had to ask for a massive bailout package from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
