Opposition vows to put immediate pressure on Cowen

The Opposition is promising to put pressure on new Taoiseach Brian Cowen as soon as possible.

Mr Cowen is set to be elected as the new head of government in the Dáil this afternoon, but Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are already vowing that his honeymoon period will be a short one.

Fine Gael's Richard Bruton says serious budgetary reform is needed as a matter of urgency given the current economic climate.

Sinn Féin's Caoimhghin O Caolain, meanwhile, is vowing to continue calling for the sacking of Mary Harney as Minister for Health.