Taoiseach-to-be becomes leader of Fianna Fáil

BRIAN COWEN will take the first step towards becoming Taoiseach when he is elected leader of Fianna Fáil this morning.

Fianna Fáil’s TDs and senators will gather at a specially convened parliamentary party meeting at 9am to vote for Bertie Ahern’s successor.

Mr Cowen’s election is a formality as he is the sole candidate for the position.