Martin takes on Cowen

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Micheál Martin will tomorrow vote to oust Taoiseach Brian Cowen because he believes the “very survival” of Fianna Fáil is at stake.

Mr Martin offered to resign from Cabinet ahead of a stinging public attack on Mr Cowen for failing to prepare the party for the general election.

Three hours after Mr Cowen dramatically asked his TDs to support his bid to hold onto the leadership, Mr Martin set up a showdown when he said he believed he was better placed to lead Fianna Fáil.