Just hours remain for 30th Dáil

Only hours remain in the lifetime of the 30th Dáil; An Taoiseach Brian Cowen will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon, where he will ask the President to dissolve the Dáil.

It will be the final act of Mr Cowen's political career, after last night's confirmation that he is bowing out of politics.