Cabinet ministers show support for Taoiseach

CABINET heavyweights moved to shore up Brian Cowen’s leadership of Fianna Fáil as he faced another wave of criticism from backbenchers.

Pressure continued to build on Mr Cowen for a change of direction as M J Nolan joined his fellow Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness in expressing deep dissatisfaction at the Taoiseach’s performance.