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.