Brian Cowen pledges support to successor at FF helm

Out-going leader of Fianna Fáil Brian Cowen has said he will offer unstinting support to the new leader of the party, whoever he or she is.

"I pledge to my successor as leader of Fianna Fáil my complete support," he said at an address to the media in Dublin in the last few minutes, at which he announced his decision to step down.

Mr Cowen will remain 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 and respect for the Fianna Fáil party".

"I want the party to be in the best possible position" going into the Election, he said.