O'Cuiv: No doubts over Cowen's leadership

Cabinet minister Eamon O'Cuiv is insisting there is no question mark over Brian Cowen's leadership of Fianna Fáil as the party begins a two-day meeting in Galway.

Minister for Social Protection Eamon O'Cuiv has said it is business as usual for the party faithful.

The think-in comes ahead of the start of the new Dáil session later this month.

It coincides with fresh controversy over the party's relationship with the Green Party following comments made by former defence Minister Willie O'Dea.

Mr O'Dea, speaking on The Late Late Show on Friday night, described the Greens' behaviour as "corrosive".

There is strong pressure also on the Taoiseach and his Finance Minister Brian Lenihan in relation to their banking strategy.