O'Rourke gives qualified backing to Cowen

Fianna Fáil TD Mary O'Rourke said today that she believes Brian Cowen will remain leader of the party.

The Longford-Westmeath TD cautioned however that the Taoiseach needs to adopt a "better communications strategy" and that "if there are health issues he needs to address that he would do so".

The comment by O'Rourke comes amid continued unease about the Taoiseach's leadership following a radio interview last week.

Her nephew, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, has dismissed claims he was mounting a coup against Mr Cowen.

However, polls due to be published later this week could signal a heave against him.