07/07/2010

Cowen Wins Standing Ovation

The Irish Premier has been given a huge parliamentary fillip when a standing ovation last night which followed what was described as a "rousing' oration" to his parliamentary party.

He used the speech to defend his leadership of Fianna Fáil and effectively laid down the law to dissident Deputies.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen got the massive show of support after he had opened the meeting with a 15-minute speech telling his TDs and Senators they knew the procedures for changing their leader if that was what they wanted to do.

He added, however, that his leadership was not "probationary" and he intended to lead Fianna Fáil into the next general election.

Another issue dealt with by Mr Cowen was the future of the Lemass Forum, an independent entity established by a number of TDs, which has held debates and discussions with invited guest speakers in Leinster House.

(BMcC/GK)

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