Cowen: I’m not a Taoiseach who’s on probation

BRIAN COWEN has insisted he is not a “Taoiseach on probation” in an effort to quell a growing threat of backbench revolt and ease political uncertainty ahead of today’s auction of Government bonds.

The Taoiseach’s statement on the steps of Government Buildings followed a day of upheaval in which two prominent Fianna Fáil TDs publicly urged him to consider stepping aside while the cost of Government borrowing hit its highest level since joining the euro.

A week after the Fianna Fáil drinking session in Galway and Mr Cowen’s disastrous radio interview the following morning, the Taoiseach dug his heels in, saying he will not resign and his party had “the determination and a unity of purpose needed for this country at this time”.

Mr Cowen said: “I’m not a Taoiseach on probation. I’m the elected leader of our party. I have the full support of my Government colleagues.”

In a display of unity, Mr Cowen was joined by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, who later admitted that he had spoken to backbenchers about their “concern about what happened in Galway last week”.

Mr Lenihan, who many backbenchers had hoped would take over the leadership, said TDs had “raised certain questions” and he had “no doubt” that the Taoiseach would allow them to discuss matters at the next meeting of the parliamentary party.

Earlier, former chief whip Tom Kitt told RTÉ radio: “The time has come to move on to new leadership.” His comments were later supported by Dublin North TD Michael Kennedy. But Independent TD Michael Lowry said he would not continue to support the Government if Mr Cowen was replaced, signalling a leadership change would more than likely bring about a general election.

Ministers came out to support the Taoiseach, who was “absolutely determined” to lead the Government, according to Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.

Enterprise Minister Batt O’Keeffe accepted there was a “need to assure party members” worried about losing their seats.

Mr Kitt said there was no mood for tabling a motion of no confidence in Mr Cowen at next week’s party meeting but “it’s obvious that some people have to come forward at some stage”.

The Dublin South TD said it would be “wrong if anybody has ambitions to be Taoiseach that they wait until after the next budget for example”.

But Mr Lenihan ruled himself out of making any move for now, saying he expects Mr Cowen to lead the party into the next election.

“I don’t have time for these discussions. The country is in too serious a position to be speculating about who occupies what position.”

The Finance Minister rejected what he said were “serious allegations” made by Fine Gael that the problems in Fianna Fáil were “stirring up a bond crisis” ahead of today’s sale.

Mr Lenihan said bond markets “take a long-term view” by lending over four to eight-year periods and “are not influenced by minor political disputes that have no bearing on economic decision making”.

He was speaking after the EU warned political stability was needed to secure investment confidence in Ireland.

After a meeting with Mr Lenihan to discuss budgetary matters, the Taoiseach said their task was “urgent”.

“Ireland must and will demonstrate to the wider world, not only that we are open for business but that we are on the way to securing our economic recovery on a sustainable basis,” he said.

“I have the full support of all my colleagues. I’m grateful for that.”