Cowen spoke to Gormley before addressing media, but decision was his own

Brian Cowen spoke to John Gormley, leader of the Greens, before making today's announcement that he was to resign as leader of Fianna Fáil, but did not consult with any Cabinet colleagues before making his decision to step down.

Mr Cowen said his resignation would not affect Government business.

“My political assessment is that this is the right thing to do for the party,” he said. “…I’s about me directing my attention to the country.”

The Taoiseach made the announcement at the Merrion Hotel, central Dublin, after a week of unprecedented political turmoil.

Six ministers resigned, Mr Cowen’s Cabinet reshuffle collapsed, the Greens threatened to pull out of Government and ministers claimed a breakdown of communications.

But Mr Cowen claimed he was not looking back.

“I believe that it was my duty to put in place the best possible team we could to fight this election to put them on the front bench and into position,” the Taoiseach said.

“It was not a cynical view by me. It was a political act.”