Lenihan set to publicly back Cowen ahead of poll.

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan will publicly back Brian Cowen ahead of today’s Fianna Fáil leadership vote in a move that could deal a hammer blow to Micheál Martin’s hopes of ousting the Taoiseach.

Mr Lenihan’s move is likely to convince a bloc of his allies to do likewise and throw their support behind Mr Cowen.

It could spell the end of Mr Martin’s hopes to become party leader before the election — and allow Mr Lenihan time to prepare his rival leadership bid in a post-election scenario.