Cowen to FF rebels: Put up or shut up

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen told his rebel backbenchers to put up or shut up if they believed he should no longer lead Fianna Fáil.

At a lengthy meeting he said there were ways for members of the parliamentary party to remove a leader and if they wanted him gone these were options available.

Mr Cowen faced criticism of his leadership and his communications, especially during last week’s denial of discussions between the Government and the IMF.