Lenihan expected to stay in office as he battles illness

It is reported that Finance Minister Brian Lenihan will make a public announcement tomorrow about his recent cancer diagnosis.

Today's papers claim the Minister says he will not be leaving office and that he intends to map out a route towards economic recovery.

There has been cross-party political support for the Minister since the initial media reporting of his illness on St Stephen's Day.

Former Labour TD Niamh Bhreathnach said Minister Lenihan would have the backing of the country over the coming months.