Brian Cowen Awaits Leadership Poll

Opinions remain divided, as Dáil TDs get ready for an anonymous vote of confidence in the Taoiseach, Brain Cowen.

However, Micheál Martin has said he expects Brian Cowen (pictured) to lose tomorrow's poll on his leadership of Fianna Fáil.

The Foreign Minister has already indicated his own decision is to vote against PM Brian Cowen in a confidence vote - but what is unknown is if this stand is being backed by party colleagues.

However, Mr Martin has said that a new leader is necessary before a general election.

Brian Cowen has decided not to step down but has offered colleagues a secret confidence ballot on Tuesday.

The Taoiseach, who is also facing an opposition motion of no confidence in the Dáil Parliament, has come under pressure because of revelations of a 2008 meeting with the head of Anglo Irish Bank shortly before he announced a multi-billion euro bank guarantee.

Former Anglo Irish Chairman Sean FitzPatrick is still subject to official scrutiny over his role in the bank's collapse and has previously been questioned by police.

Mr Cowen, who came to power in 2008, has denied discussing bank matters at the golf course, insisting he had not done political favours for any financial institution.

His position has come under political pressure since the Irish Republic was forced to seek a bail-out by the EU and IMF late last year.

The Government Chief Whip John Curran said that tomorrow's vote should put the matter to rest but Minister of State for Trade and Commerce Billy Kelleher has said he will not be supporting Mr Cowen tomorrow night.

Backbench Fianna Fáil TD Noel O'Flynn said also he supports Mr Martin and wants change after watching the party's demise in opinion polls - but others are keeping their own options open.

(BMcC/GK)