Coughlan 'considering position' on FF leadership

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan says she is considering her position before stating whether or not she intends to seek the Fianna Fáil leadership.

Ms Coughlan is the second cabinet minister after Noel Dempsey to refuse to rule herself out of the running for the job.

Several other ministers, including Micheal Martin, Willie O'Dea and Martin Cullen, have come out publicly in support of Brian Cowen, who is the favourite to become the next Fianna Fáil leader and Taoiseach.

Fianna Fáil's national executive is meeting today to discuss the process for choosing a new leader.