Taoiseach clings to power as leadership contenders silent

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen clung on to power against the wishes of many of his Fianna Fáil colleagues who he told if they want him gone they can come and get him.

For the sixth time in a year his leadership was the subject of debate at the parliamentary meeting, but once again a viable rival failed to emerge to challenge him.

Opponents and supporters had almost universally expected the leader of Fianna Fáil to use yesterday’s meeting to announce his resignation and clear the way for a leadership race.

This was after the fallout from his undisclosed dealings with former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick.

But yesterday afternoon, Mr Cowen told his TDs and senators he would listen to their views over the coming days, consult with party figures and act in the best interests of Fianna Fáil.

However, he was intent on staying on as leader of the party until the General Election.

The Taoiseach, for the second time in as many months, reminded TDs there were procedures for placing a motion of no confidence if they wanted to challenge his leadership.

Speculation ahead of the meeting was fuelled by rumours, which began the previous night, that senior ministers had persuaded Mr Cowen to step aside.

This had begun because of the perception that the Cabinet was less then enthusiastic in the Dáil during Leaders’ Questions on Wednesday when a lengthy explanation was given about the Taoiseach’s contacts with Mr FitzPatrick.

Mr Cowen denied any minister had approached him to step down although he had spoken to them.

The meeting was originally scheduled to start at midday but was postponed until 3pm to facilitate meetings involving the Taoiseach.

Mr Curran said there was nothing to be read into these meetings.

However, Mr Cowen told his parliamentary colleagues he had spent yesterday morning speaking to people about his position.

He said those who thought he should step aside made their feelings known but others had expressed the view that his resignation would not help.

The meeting began by the party shoring up its numbers. Eamon Scanlon, who resigned the party whip in 2009 in protest about cuts to cancer services in Sligo, was readmitted to the party.

When the Taoiseach addressed the meeting he was balanced and calm, according to those present — none of the emotional or combative rhetoric of previous sessions.

He said if a motion of no confidence was tabled, which required 18 signatures from TDs, the issue could be dealt with.

Only two TDs, Sean Power from Kildare South and John McGuinness of Carlow-Kilkenny, volunteered to criticise him.

The Taoiseach was strengthened going into the meeting because backbenchers were told ousting him would effectively mean an immediate election.

This was suggested by independent deputy Michael Lowry, who said he would not support a third taoiseach.

It effectively killed off hope of installing a new head of Government without calling a swift election which Fianna Fáil is not prepared for.

Within 45 minutes the Taoiseach had dispatched with the issue and the debate moved onto the Climate Change Bill.

The heat was off Cowen for at least as long as it takes people to challenge him before the weekend.