Brian Cowen has stepped down as leader of Fianna Fail but hopes to remain as Prime Minster until the upcoming election.
He made his decision known at a press conference in Dublin today. He stated he had “done the right thing” and made the decision last night.
He thanked his wife and family for their support.
His position as party leader had become untenable after a botched attempt to force six of his ministers to resign and replace them with younger members of his party. He did not consult the minority party in his coalition, the Green Party, on his move and they objected and threatened to bring down the government.
Despite the fact that he had won a vote of confidence from his party on Tuesday last, his move on cabinet ministers rebounded badly on him and the party turned on him.
He hopes to remain as Prime Minster because the position is separate from party leader. In addition, his party does not have the votes anymore to elect a new Prime Minister.
His most likely replacement as party leader is Micheal Martin, former Foreign Minster who challenged Cowen on Tuesday and lost.
The election date was set for March 11 but it may be sooner now because a Labor Party vote of no confidence in the government is coming next week. If that succeeds, there would be a mid to late February date for the election.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.FallsRNat | Jan 23, 2011, 01:06 PM EST
how about coco the clown next, better still, rejoin the uk, god save ireland!
dessieglynn | Jan 23, 2011, 12:01 PM EST
AS MY LATE FATHER USED TO SAY. 'WITH THE HELP OF GOD AND TWO POLICEMEN '
irishathens | Jan 23, 2011, 10:22 AM EST
Thanks be to God...
Niamhaine | Jan 23, 2011, 09:46 AM EST
And the hits keep coming, I used to think it was cruel that his nickname was BIFFO. I never thought he would actually attempt to live up to it. The only positive that I can see in the whole mess is that Mary Harney is finally out. And, as an aside, what those people make in pension packets is criminal in itself.
dingle999 | Jan 23, 2011, 09:22 AM EST
"It's a pity though, he was brilliant at doing what he does as Taoiseach." Yep he was very good on radio when he had a hangover
Dublinjas | Jan 23, 2011, 06:47 AM EST
It matters not who leads the Fianna Fail party now, the next time this party gets a mandate from the Irish people, this bunch will be kicking up the daises.
Dublinjas | Jan 23, 2011, 06:43 AM EST
A list of those who should be taken to kilmainham gaol forthwith and put up against the wall and Executed immediately. Brian Cowen Eamon O Cuiv Ivor Callely Brian Lenihan Mary Harney John Gormless Gormley
Dublinjas | Jan 23, 2011, 06:14 AM EST
GONE! gone is the Greatest Arsehole to ever hold the Post of Taoiseach in the Sad, miserable, Bloody and corrupt history of this State. God be Praised.
Towngate | Jan 23, 2011, 02:28 AM EST
WILL SOMBODY please put this squirming toad out of our misery!
FallsRNat | Jan 22, 2011, 09:39 PM EST
and its goodnight from him, what ireland needs is a strong leader who will stand up for it - my vote goes to Dr Paisley
Towngate | Jan 22, 2011, 08:35 PM EST
Jacers - and you said the jokes were getting stale .....
jacersagain | Jan 22, 2011, 07:02 PM EST
Thanks be to jacers he's gone. It's a pity though, he was brilliant at doing what he does as Taoiseach. I shudder at what End of Kenny or Aimin-below-the-belt Gilmore would offer us people of Ireland, given their disgraceful antics in the Dáil. I leave it to your imaginations what they'll look like on the European and World political stages.
hyattsville | Jan 22, 2011, 11:03 AM EST
What a complete mess. I think the best replacement would be Hanafin for many reasons.