Beleaguered Cowen to discuss economy with Stormont ministers

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will travel to Armagh today to discuss the economy with his Stormont counterparts.

Despite facing calls to resign after plans for a Cabinet reshuffle almost collapsed the Government, Mr Cowen will lead a delegation at the Eleventh Plenary Meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.

He said important economic issues that affected the daily lives of everyone in Ireland and how both administrations would co-operate would be discussed at the event.

“Now, more than ever, we are committed to work together for economic recovery and a brighter future on this island,” said Mr Cowen.

The meeting will be held in the new headquarters of the Joint Secretariat to the North South Ministerial Council and will be hosted by the North’s First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Later, the new headquarters will be officially opened by the Taoiseach, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Mr Cowen added: “I have been honoured to be able to participate in all 11 plenary meetings of the North South Ministerial Council which have taken place since the Good Friday Agreement.

“The opening of the NSMC Joint Secretariat offices here in Armagh is another significant event which reflects the enormous and historic transformation in the politics of this island in recent years.”

The Green Party yesterday forced Mr Cowen into a hugely embarrassing U-turn on attempts to promote members of Fianna Fáil party into senior ministerial posts.

The Taoiseach also called a General Election for March 11.