Lenihan confirms support for Cowen

Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has confirmed that he will support Brian Cowen in tonight's motion of confidence.

Speaking on RTE Radio's News At One, the Minister said he was "making it very clear" that he was supporting the Taoiseach.

He conceded the Taoiseach had had his "difficulties" and referred to "lapses of judgment" in connection with revelations about the Taoiseach's golf game with Sean Fitzpatrick and the 'Garglegate' controversy where the Taoiseach sounded under the weather in a Morning Ireland interview.

"I am supporting the Taoiseach because the Taoiseach has given me strong support (in implementing the recent financial programme)," he said.

“I don’t believe it’s feasible at this stage in the life of the Government to separate the office of the Taoiseach from the person who is going to lead the party into the election.”