Cowen denies communication problem
The Taoiseach has disputed claims that Fianna Fáil would win more seats under a new party leader.
It comes ahead of a secret ballot on a motion of confidence in Brian Cowen's leadership by the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary party tomorrow.
Speaking this evening Brian Cowen defended his record and denied that there were problems with his style of communication.
“I remain confident obviously of the outcome,” Mr Cowen said. “I think my decision to have a confidence vote will enable us to put this matter to rest once and for all for the foreseeable future.
“From my point of view, it is clearly the case that the settled view of the party is that I should lead Fianna Fáil.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said he believed a majority in the party now believed Fianna Fáil needed a change at the top.
"There are no guarantees. I accept that, but...the majority view is that we will have a better chance of doing better (in the General Election) if we have a change of leadership," he said.
