Resignations bring Cowen to the brink

THE resignation of two Fianna Fáil TDs from the Parliamentary Party has brought Taoiseach Brian Cowen within a vote of having to dissolve the Dáil.

Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon’s decision to quit the whip in protest at the loss of breast cancer services in Sligo has left just 82 members, the bare minimum, openly backing Mr Cowen.

The Taoiseach has been warned his focus may be on the economy but his survival prospects are more nuanced.