Fianna Fáil leadership - Cowen lacks support of the people

SIGNIFICANT political implications flow from the decision of Taoiseach Brian Cowen not to step down as leader of Fianna Fáil.

Effectively, by seizing the initiative and moving a motion of confidence in his leadership by secret ballot at tomorrow’s meeting of the parliamentary party he has launched a preemptive strike against those contemplating a motion of no confidence against him.

By staying on as leader, Mr Cowen has also thrown down a gauntlet to three Cabinet ministers who want his job — Micheál Martin, Mary Hanafin and Brian Lenihan.