Cowen puts final touches to his cabinet line-up

INCOMING taoiseach Brian Cowen was putting the finishing touches to his first cabinet last night as ministers anxiously awaited news of their fates.

Who takes over from him in the two key posts of finance minister and tánaiste he vacates on Wednesday, when he will succeed Bertie Ahern, will strongly determine the outlook of his government.

Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin remains a favourite for the exchequer portfolio, with competition from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and the outside possibility of justice minister Brian Lenihan.