Kelleher: Time has come for a change of leader

The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher, has announced that he will not support the Taoiseach Brian Cowen in tomorrow's vote of confidence being held by Fianna Fáil.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin and the Taoiseach will spend today canvassing support ahead of tomorrow's vote.

However, Enterprise Minister Batt O' Keeffe has confirmed his support for the Taoiseach.

A spokesperson for the Minister said he will be supporting Brian Cowen tomorrow evening.

Mr Kelleher said: "After considering the challenges facing the country, the Government and the Fianna Fáil party I have decided that I will be unable to support the motion of confidence being placed before the parliamentary party tomorrow.

"The reality is that Fianna Fáil must recognise the current climate of public opinion, and I believe the time has come for a change of leader who will put forward a positive agenda and engage with the public. I have made this view known to the Taoiseach, having discussed my concerns with him in advance of last week’s parliamentary party meeting.

The minister said his party must better communicate its achievements and more clearly articulate its plans for the future, including the forthcoming general election.

He said: "It is therefore my view that a change of party leader at this time will allow Fianna Fáil to engage more fully with public opinion and better communicate its policy perspectives in advance of the polls.

"I have arrived at my decision following consultation with members of the party and believe this is the view of a majority of my colleagues."