Lenihan expected to declare for leader in confidence bid

BRIAN LENIHAN is expected to back Brian Cowen in today’s confidence motion on his leadership in a move aimed at alienating the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michael Martin.

The Finance Minister spoke to Mr Cowen a number of times on Sunday when the Taoiseach announced he would be tabling a motion of confidence in his leadership at today’s meeting of the parliamentary party.

Mr Lenihan — who is viewed as a potential successor to Cowen — will announce support for the Taoiseach just before the meeting in what is likely to be a major blow to the hopes of Micheál Martin to oust the Taoiseach.