Taoiseach to address backbenchers' concerns in party meeting
Rebel Fianna Fáil backbenchers will come face to face with the Taoiseach today for the first time since some of them started planning a heave against him.
Meanwhile, it has emerged Brian Cowen phoned members of his Parliamentary Party in recent days in an attempt to show them he would address concerns over issues.
Dissident backbenchers are reported to have started planning against Brian Cowen in the aftermath of last week's Cabinet reshuffle, which they say did not go far enough.
But so far only John McGuinness has called for the Taoiseach to resign, with a few more saying he needs to improve his leadership.
It is now thought that while some will raise concerns at the parliamentary party meeting today, they will be in the minority.
Mr Cowen used the weekend and recent days to try and stave off the disquiet surrounding him growing any further.
It is understood he phoned a number of backbenchers in an attempt to shore up their support around him.
Mr Cowen asked them what were their concerns and asked them to stick with him and the Government for two years when they would be in a good position to fight the election.
