Cowen to be next Taoiseach

Brian Cowen will be the next Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil, it was confirmed today.

Fianna Fáil chief whip Tom Kitt confirmed at the close of nominations today for the leadership, the Finance Minister and Tánaiste was the only member to put his name forward to succeed Bertie Ahern on May 6.

Mr Ahern announced on Wednesday he would quit on May 6 following concerns about his private finances.

Mr Cowen will be formally declared the seventh leader of Fianna Fáil at a meeting of the parliamentary party on Wednesday.

In a statement, Mr Cowen said he was deeply honoured by the confidence shown in him by the members of the Parliamentary Party.

“It is a reflection of the support of the wider Fianna Fáil membership throughout the country,” the Laois-Offaly TD said.

“I am grateful for that overwhelming endorsement of my candidacy for the leadership of the party at this time.”