Taoiseach: Passing Lisbon my most urgent task

BRIAN COWEN has said the most urgent task facing him is to get the Lisbon treaty passed.

Mr Cowen yesterday became the 12th head of government since the foundation of the state, elected by 88 votes to 76 in the Dáil.

In his first speech as taoiseach, Mr Cowen set out his priorities, chief among them passing the Lisbon treaty. “Far from damaging our interests, the treaty will enhance our capacity to shape developments in line with our own perspectives and principles. There is no more urgent or important task ahead of me,” he said.