Cowen, Ahern rally to support Taoiseach

FIANNA FÁIL’S big guns went into action on behalf of embattled Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last night and turned fire on his critics.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen led the fightback, insisting Mr Ahern had done nothing wrong by accepting €12,000 for a Manchester speaking engagement while a Cabinet member in 1994.

Mr Cowen’s high-profile intervention was seen as important in steeling the nerves of Fianna Fáil backbenchers as pressure on the Government intensified.