Cowen to make announcement this evening

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has said that Taoiseach Brian Cowen will make an announcement on his future as leader of Fianna Fáil later this evening.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen is to make a statement on his future as Fianna Fail leader later today, Tanaiste Mary Coughlan has confirmed.

The embattled politician has been consulting with colleagues in his party over the last two days to assess if he has enough backing to remain at the helm.