Cowen's leadership to come under pressure at party meeting

Brian Cowen's leadership of Fianna Fáil is expected to come under intense pressure tonight at a parliamentary party meeting that in the words of one backbencher will be a "bare-knuckle" affair.

Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin says she is interested in the leadership of the party - but is warning she will not be part of a heave against Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Meanwhile, Mr Cowen is also going to have to defeat a motion of no confidence in him in the Dáil to be tabled by Sinn Féin.

Cork North Central TD Noel O' Flynn said his will be one of 18 signatures that are needed for a motion of no confidence.

But he admitted that he will not be canvassing fellow TDs for support in his call on Brian Cowen to go.

Speaking on his way into Leinster House, Deputy O' Flynn said tonight's meeting will be a "bare-knuckle" affair, and he will make his views on Mr Cowen's leadership known.

Minster Hanafin has meanwhile admitted she wants to be leader of Fianna Fáil if a vacancy arises.

But in a message to backbenchers that it's up to them, she says she's not going to be part of a move herself.

Minister Hanafin said the focus right now has to be on the future of Ireland.

"(We have to) get a message to the world and to the international markets that Ireland is willing to take the very tough decisions that are needed to get the economy back on the road," Minister Hanafin said.

"We've set out our timescale on that and we absolutely cannot waver from it."

When the Dáil meets later Sinn Féin will table a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach, but when that will be debated and voted on remains to be seen.