Dermot Ahern keen to vote, if 'in absentia' procedure can be confirmed

Despite earlier reports to the contrary, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern is keen to vote in today's motion of confidence in Taoiseach Brian Cowen, with a procedure to allow him to vote from his hospital bed being worked out today.

Minister Ahern underwent a hip operation last Friday and is recovering in hospital. It was believed that he would not vote tonight.

However, it is understood that if a procedure can be finalised by which he can vote from his hospital bed, he will do so this evening.

"We are still deciding the procedure to vote in absentia in the event that a TD cannot attend the parliamentary party meeting," a Fianna Fáil spokeswoman said this morning, adding that it was hoped this procedure would be in place later today.

A spokesman for Dermot Ahern confirmed the Minister is keen to vote.

"He has been in talks with Fianna Fáil about the procedure (by which he would vote). His plan is to vote from his hospital bed," he said.

Mr Ahern held meetings on ministerial matters yesterday and has others scheduled today, and is due out of hospital on Thursday.

Dermot Ahern has not yet indicated which way he would vote today, but it is expected he will announce that this afternoon if a procedure can be put in place to allow him to vote in absentia.

Meanwhile, Brian Cowen has reiterated that he believes it is the "settled view" of the party that he should lead them into the up-coming General Election.

Brian Cowen's comments come ahead of this evening's parliamentary party meeting, at which members will decide whether or not to retain him as leader of the party.

Last night, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey declared that he would support the Taoiseach in this evening's secret ballot.

In an added boost for the Taoiseach, it is being reported this morning that Brian Lenihan will back Mr Cowen in the vote later.

Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin has yet to declare whether she will support the Taoiseach.

Brian Cowen says he believes good can come from this for the Fianna Fáil party and he's again insisted he'll survive tonight's vote:

"There isn’t a tsunami (of opposition) against me. I believe - I wouldn't say it otherwise - that the settled view of the party is that I should lead the party into the General Election," he said.