Leader-elect has chummy assurances for colleagues

TAOISEACH-in-waiting Brian Cowen issued soothing words to government members who might be anxious about the impending regime change, assuring them of his intention to govern by consensus.

Announcing his formal nomination for the position of leader of Fianna Fáil, Mr Cowen said he did so with genuine humility and a commitment to collegiality.

“This is not a case of me on-high issuing directives all round,” he said.