Ahern sees Cowen as natural successor

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today clearly anointed Tánaiste Brian Cowen as his natural successor as Fianna Fáil leader but he may not hand over power to him until 2012.

On his first day of his third consecutive term, Mr Ahern also said he would promote Mayo TD Beverly Cooper Flynn if she resolved her financial difficulties and rejoined Fianna Fáil.