TAOISEACH Brian Cowen denied he had engaged in stunts in the face of strong Opposition criticism.

“What is involved is that Ministers have resigned because they believe it important they do so as they will not be accountable for the actions of Government at the holding of the next election.

“They are of the view that they should in those circumstances resign, and have also given their own reasons in their resignation statements and subsequent commentaries and interviews.”

Having earlier announced the reassignment of ministerial portfolios, the Taoiseach said, in respect of newly appointed Ministers, it was intended they would derive no personal financial benefit from their promotions and that there would be no extra financial burden placed on the State.

“The end result has been a reassignation of the appointments,” said Mr Cowen. “I believe a cynical view is the idea that people who would not be standing should remain on in office.”

He said he would “challenge the politically correct view that suggests it was a stunt; far from it”.

Mr Cowen was speaking after the resumption of the Dáil following an adjournment amid chaos and demands that he attend in the Chamber.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Mr Cowen and Green Party leader John Gormley had, “in a Laurel and Hardy situation, got themselves into another fine mess”.

“The fact that no new Minister has been appointed is clearly because of desperation and fear on the part of the Government of putting it to a vote in the House.

“The fact that the Green Party is not represented in the Chamber at this time speaks for itself, and the fact that the Government is unable to fill the front bench speaks for the level to which the situation has descended.”

He welcomed the Taoiseach’s announcement that the general election would be held on March 11th.

He hoped the Taoiseach’s attendance in the House and his clarification of the position had restored some sense of authority, respect and dignity to the House.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said he regretted the Taoiseach had handled matters the way he had. “The announcement he has just made is one that could and should have been made this morning, which would have avoided the chaos we experienced here earlier and the damage that has been done to the country due to the sense of disintegration that prevailed throughout the morning.”

He said the Taoiseach had attempted a stroke, which had backfired. He no longer had the authority, essential for the head of a government, to appoint members of his Government.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said there was a lame duck Taoiseach heading a lame duck Government.

“All I can say in its favour is that in selecting the date of March 11th the Taoiseach has at least allowed many young people the prospect and opportunity of directly participating in the election, as that day falls on a Friday.”

Earlier, Mr Cowen paid tribute to the Ministers who retired and announced he was reassigning the Department of Health to Minister for Education Mary Coughlan; the Department of Transport to Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey; the Department of Justice to Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith; the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Mary Hanafin; and the Department of Defence to Minister for Social Protection Eamon Ó Cuív.