Fianna Fáil divided - Today’s vote not the one that matters

WHATEVER the outcome of this evening’s Fianna Fáil parliamentary party shindig, it would be unwise to view the conclusion as anything other than a temporary little arrangement.

If Mr Cowen, despite everything, wins the day, the result does not guarantee him anything other than the party’s leadership until after the election. That can’t be much of a prize.

The predictions for his party — and even at this 11th hour that is all they are — are dismal.