Taoiseach on cusp of defeating rebellion

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen is on the cusp of defeating the Fianna Fáil rebellion after backbenchers lined up to show loyalty to their leader.

Thirty TDs, including Mr Cowen himself, publicly indicated they would vote confidence in the Taoiseach to remain as leader of the party.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan is expected to join that number this morning after his colleague Noel Dempsey stumped for Mr Cowen last night.