FF TDs put on a brave face and back Taoiseach

FIANNA FÁIL TDs last night put on a brave face rallying around their leader Brian Cowen who told his troops to let the fight back begin.

While a number of backbenchers told a private poll by RTÉ’s Prime Time that a change of leadership is needed, they offered their support to the leader in a parliamentary party meeting that lasted more than four hours last night.

In what was described as a very strong opening address to the private meeting, Mr Cowen promised to win back support starting with a review of the party in Dublin and other cities where it suffered the biggest losses in last week’s local and European elections.