Cowen 'not resigning'

Senior government sources have reportedly indicated that Brian Cowen will not be resigning as party leader at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary meeting this afternoon.

Speculation has mounted throughout the day that Mr Cowen was facing a leadership challenge at the meeting, with one widely-mooted scenario being that he would step down as FF leader but remain as Taoiseach until the General Election.

However Newstalk radio this afternoon cited unnamed government sources as saying that the Taoiseach believes that if a member of the party wants to challenge his leadership they can put down a motion of no confidence at next week's parliamentary party meeting.

However, sources said, Mr Cowen intends to consult with individual TDs and Senators over the coming days to decide "what is in the best interests of the party."

Earlier Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin announced that a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach has been tabled.

It will allow all TDs in the Dáil to vote on whether Mr Cowen should remain as the head of Government, a separate move from the internal FF wranglings.

However it may be as late as March before the motion can be heard.