Under-fire Taoiseach to make public statement at 7pm

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen is to make a public statement at Government Buildings at 7pm.

The chorus of Fianna Fáil backbenchers calling for the Taoiseach to step down now includes Chris Andrews, John McGuinness, Sean Power, and Noel O'Flynn.

Mr Andrews says he has previously raised questions over Mr Cowen's ability to lead within the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, but felt he now had to state his concerns publicly.

Mary O'Rourke also suggested earlier that it was time for Brian Cowen to resign.