Cowen resists call for by-elections

THE Taoiseach is resisting pressure from within his own party to hold three outstanding by-elections, saying they are “more likely next year than this”.

Brian Cowen came under increasing pressure from within his own ranks after former defence minister Willie O’Dea publicly urged him to move quickly on holding the elections, which would risk collapsing the Government.

The Limerick East backbencher threatened to cause further instability by launching an attack on how the Green Party operates in Government.