Taoiseach’s position under threat as TDs lose faith

BRIAN Cowen faced a deepening leadership crisis last night as Fianna Fáil TDs expressed despair at his failure to hold the party together.

Mr Cowen’s authority was further weakened as it was revealed no disciplinary action would be taken against two Sligo deputies who resigned the whip and vowed to vote against the government.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said the move by Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon did “not necessarily” mean an early general election now that the Government’s Dáil majority has been wiped out.