Mary Mitchell O’Connor admits she is disappointed at being demoted by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty says Enda Kenny needs to be at the table when the Brexit negotiations begin.

Fine Gael has ruled out any future coalition with Sinn Féin, despite a senior Government figure claiming she would be happy to work with the party.

Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has put her position in jeopardy by saying she will back anti-pylon protesters in any “civil disobedience” measures taken to prevent the new north-south electricity inter-connector.

The Education Minister Richard Bruton says it is not in the country's interest to challenge the leadership of Enda Kenny.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Fine Gael's Gabrielle McFadden has been appointed Government Chief Whip in the Seanad.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

The Cabinet has confirmed this lunchtime that the banking inquiry will get under way next week, and Labour's Ciaran Lynch will chair the inquiry.

A banking inquiry is now expected to be up and running by May, before the local and European elections.

The Government Chief Whip is raising concerns about the implications and legal status of electronic cigarettes.

Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe has written to the Minister for Healath to clarify the health implications and legal status of electronic cigarettes.

The Dáil is preparing for an all-night sitting before the final vote on legislation allowing for abortion in limited circumstances.

The Dáil will reconvene at 10.30pm to consider the emergency legislation relating to the Anglo Irish Bank Promissory notes, Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe has confirmed.

The Dáil is to be suspended for a number of hours tomorrow as a mark of respect, and to allow TDs attend the funeral of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe.

The funeral of Minster of State Shane McEntee has heard how he was burdened with thoughtfulness for others.

Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe has said that there is there is no question of the Croke Park agreement being reviewed before it expires at the end of next year.

The Communications Minister should consider proposals from the independent broadcasting sector to redistribute some of the licence fee that currently goes to RTÉ.

A motion of censure is to be tabled in the Dail today against the independent TD Mick Wallace.

Mick Wallace has been forced to break ranks with a group of independents over his tax affairs.

Government Chief Whip Paul Keogh has today denied that a rift is forming between the Coalition parties, insisting that "no-one feels unloved".

The Fine Gael whip has been removed from Roscommon TD Denis Naughten following his voting against the Government in a Dáil vote on Roscommon hospital last night.

Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe has said that the Finance Minister would think long and hard before allowing a bank to breach the salary cap for their chief executives.

A agreed motion of censure in Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has today been announced by the Government Chief Whip for debate in the Dáil tomorrow morning.

The Government has been urged to table a motion formally condemning Independent TD Michael Lowry over the damning Moriarty Tribunal findings.

NEWLY-APPOINTED Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett told the Dáil he was looking forward to “playing my role in the reform of the way our parliament works”.

MEDICAL card holders have had their tax burden reduced, but key independent deputies demanded more concessions to allow the Finance Bill overcome its first major hurdle at midday.

KEY Fianna Fáil figures will meet this morning to finalise exactly how it will decide on a new leader by Wednesday evening.

BRIAN COWEN has left question marks as to whether he will stand in the election following his decision to step down as Fianna Fáil leader.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has continued to express bitterness towards his coalition partners after he was denied the chance to promote six Fianna Fáil TDs to the Cabinet.

Embattled Taoiseach Brian Cowen defied his critics today and said he will lead his party into the March General Election and beyond.

Government Chief Whip John Curran, who supported the Taoiseach during this week's confidence motion, has said another motion of confidence in the Taoiseach could be accommodated.

GREEN Party leader John Gormley has strongly disputed Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s version of the fight which forced the end of the coalition.

The Fianna Fáil party will today begin picking up the pieces after a bruising leadership challenge which saw Brian Cowen survive as leader, and Micheál Martin resign as Foreign Affairs Minister.

MICHEÁL MARTIN said remaining in office after the rebellion against his party leader was incompatible with his public criticism of Brian Cowen.

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen will go toe to toe today with rebel ministers in the fight for leadership of Fianna Fáil.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen is on the cusp of defeating the Fianna Fáil rebellion after backbenchers lined up to show loyalty to their leader.

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan will publicly back Brian Cowen ahead of today’s Fianna Fáil leadership vote in a move that could deal a hammer blow to Micheál Martin’s hopes of ousting the Taoiseach.

Brian Cowen has said he is confident he would survive his own motion of confidence in his leadership.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has said that Taoiseach Brian Cowen will make an announcement on his future as leader of Fianna Fáil later this evening.