package gettext 0.19.4-1ubuntu3 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration

[Steven Davies-Morris]

I was trying to install the Epson linux drivers for Workforce printers.

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 15.10
Package: gettext 0.19.4-1ubuntu3
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 4.2.0-18.22-generic 4.2.3
Uname: Linux 4.2.0-18-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.19.1-0ubuntu5
AptOrdering:
 gettext: Configure
 NULL: ConfigurePending
Architecture: amd64
Date: Mon Nov 23 22:02:56 2015
DpkgTerminalLog:
 dpkg: error processing package gettext (--configure):
  package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should
  reinstall it before attempting configuration
DuplicateSignature: package:gettext:0.19.4-1ubuntu3:package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
ErrorMessage: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
InstallationDate: Installed on 2015-10-21 (35 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu-MATE 15.10 "Wily Werewolf" - Alpha amd64 (20150924)
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.18.2ubuntu5
 apt 1.0.10.2ubuntu1
SourcePackage: gettext
Title: package gettext 0.19.4-1ubuntu3 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

[Expired for gettext (Ubuntu) because there has been no activity for 60 days.]