Cowen: I will deal with Martin's position after the vote

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has said Micheál Martin's offer of resignation "remains on the table".

Mr Cowen said he does not want to pre-empt the outcome of tomorrow's confidence vote, but he will deal with Minister Martin's position after the vote.

Yesterday, the Foreign Affairs Minister withdrew his support for Mr Cowen as leader of Fianna Fáil and offered to resign.

Both men will spend today canvassing support ahead of tomorrow's crucial vote of confidence in Mr Cowen.

Meanwhile, the Government Chief Whip has said he is confident that Mr Cowen will win tomorrow's vote.

John Curran is also rejecting the notion that the internal divisions should result in the General Election being held immediately.