Hanafin backs Taoiseach after voting against him

TOURISM Minister Mary Hanafin insisted yesterday she had confidence in the Taoiseach despite voting no confidence in his leadership of Fianna Fáil just 24 hours earlier.

Like Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, she also insisted she had not been party to any heave attempts against Mr Cowen.

Ms Hanafin and Mr Lenihan have lost face with some Fianna Fáil TDs over the way they handled this week’s events.