Cowen to step down as leader of Fianna Fáil

Brian Cowen has confirmed that he is resigning as leader of Fianna Fáil, but will stay on as Taoiseach until the General Election.

Beginning his address in Irish, Brian Cowen said it had been a "personal honour to serve as Taoiseach" and that he had an "abiding commitment to and respect for the Fianna Fáil party".