Cowen and cohorts ‘furious’ over backbencher rumblings

FIANNA FÁIL backbenchers have established a group to discuss policy issues without the involvement of senior ministers or the Taoiseach and is seen as further undermining Brian Cowen’s authority.

Senior ranks in the party are said to be angry with the establishment of what is dubbed the “Lemass Forum” – after the former leader, regarded as a mould-breaker, whose spirit was invoked by Mr Cowen when he became Taoiseach.

Under the group set up in recent weeks, meetings are organised by individual TDs outside of the normal party structures and backbenchers have an opportunity to discuss issues with union, business groups and other representative bodies.