Harney rows in behind Cowen

Health Minister Mary Harney has described Brian Cowen as "rock solid".

Minister Harney's fulsome support for the Taoiseach came as Dáil deputies this evening debate a motion of no confidence in Mr Cowen, tabled by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny in the wake of the banking reports.

In exchanges in the house, Deputy Kenny - himself facing problems of his own today as more than half of his front bench declared he no longer had their confidence as party leader - claimed Mr Cowen had "hijacked" the country, while Labour leader Eamon Gilmore called him "shameless".

Mr Cowen once again issued a robust defence of his policies and performance in relation to the financial crisis, saying no members of the house had prediced the calamity that was to befall the country's coffers.

Minister Harney meanwhile defended her leader to the hilt.

"What I see at that Cabinet table is a man who puts the national interest first on all occasions," she said.

"I do not see, as has been suggested here, a man that in any way is corrupt.

"Anyone that aspires to the office of Taoiseach knows full well that in Brian Cowen we have someone who is straight, honest and hard-working," she added. "I have seen that very clearly over the past two years."

The debate is set to continue until around 8.30pm this evening.