Brian Cowen and Michael Martin canvas for support ahead of confidence vote - SEE POLL

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Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin and Prime Minister Brian Cowen

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IrishCentral.com Poll

Should Brian Cowen step down from leadership of Fianna Fail?

Yes. He's just embarrassing himself.

No. He should stay until after the election.

Don't know.

Read more: Irish Prime Minister refuses to step down

Prime Minister Brian Cowen and Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Martin will spend Monday canvassing for support in advance of Fianna Fail’s vote on Cowen’s vote of confidence in himself.

On Sunday Martin announced that he wanted to remove Mr Cowen from leadership. He also said that he had offered his resignation to Cowen but it had been rejected. Martin has confirmed that he will vote against Cowen’s vote of confidence in himself on Tuesday.

Paddy Power bookmakers are backing Cowen to retain his leadership  they rate him a 1-5 shot meaning there is only a 20 per cent chance of him losing while Martin is 3/1.

Martin and Minster for Tourism and Culture Mary Hanafin both expressed interest in taking over as leader of the party. Hanafin is also expected to let her feelings on Cowen’s leadership be known.

It is believed that Cowen having spoken with the Fianna Fail party members feels that he could win. Mr Martin is expected to face an uphill challenge in trying to find enough rebels to oust the party leader.

Martin told Newstalk, the Dublin based radio station, that he believes that the vote will be close but that Cowen will lose. He said that although he would like to be leader of the party other Cabinet Minister’s may step up.

Read more: Irish Prime Minister refuses to step down
 

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