Ministers deny Cowen leadership under threat

Government Ministers are this mmorning rejecting suggestions that the Taoiseach's leadership is under threat.

Government Ministers are this morning rejecting suggestions that the Taoiseach's leadership is under threat.

Prominent backbenchers including Sean Power and Noel O'Flynn have criticised Brian Cowen directly, and warned of electoral carnage unless Fianna Fáil's popularity improves.

Senior Ministers have jumped to the defence of the Taoiseach, however.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern says backbenchers must understand the that the difficult decisions made by the Government do have consequences.