05/07/2010

Cowen 'Not Most Popular' Leader: FF

There's no problem with Brian Cowen's leadership at all - that's according to Fianna Fáil's Chief Whip.

John Curran acknowledged the Taoiseach was not the most popular party leader, as recent opinion polls had indicated, but he insisted "this had to be put in the context of the difficult and challenging issues" being faced by the Government.

He has denied there was widespread disquiet among backbenchers over Brian Cowen's leadership.

"We have made decisions that by any stretch of the imagination weren’t popular but they were the right ones and I think, in doing that, the Taoiseach has clearly demonstrated his leadership capacity," Mr Curran told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

However, Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators meet tomorrow night amid reports of growing unease over the Taoiseach's leadership style and concern at the Government’s narrowing majority.

The weekly meeting of the parliamentary party is scheduled to hear a presentation from General Secretary Seán Dorgan on the state of the organisation on the ground, along with analysis of recent unfavourable opinion polls.

(BMcC/GK)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 April 2024
'Decision Week' For Executive To Agree 2024/25 Budget – UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party has said it is "decision week" for the Executive to agree a new 2024/25 Budget. Party leader and Upper Bann MLA, Doug Beattie, reiterated his warnings of the damage being inflicted to key services the longer the void in this year's Budget continues.
19 April 2024
Executive Urged To Take Action For Victims And Survivors
Victims and survivors of the Troubles are at risk of being left behind without urgent action from the Executive Office. The Alliance Party has raised the issue following what it described as a "constructive meeting" with the Victims and Survivors Service.
12 March 2024
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
04 June 2010
Second Senator To 'Clarify' Expenses
A second Irish Senatoor is being asked to "clarify" the expenses he has claimed after the supplementary payments to members of both houses were published last week. Last night Taoiseach Brian Cowen set in motion the process to exclude Senator Ivor Callely from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party over his €81,000 in travel allowance claims.
21 March 2024
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.