Speculation Mounts Over Cowen's Leadership

Rumours of a change of leader ahead of the next Irish general election is gathering momentum as denials and speculations emerged from Fianna Fail over the weekend.

Mr Cowen's authority has been rocked by last week's alleged hungover interview on Morning Ireland last week, leading to speculation that key figures are manoeuvring into position for a takeover of the party.

Speaking at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, Mr Lenihan - the front runner for the next party leadership - said there was no vacancy for the job of Taoiseach and that he was only interested in the world financial markets.

Meanwhile at the weekend, Junior Minister Conor Lenihan, who has been stoking the fires of takeover speculation, said Mr Cowen needed to show leadership, following what he called the 'damaging' interview.

In speculative comments last week, the Minister said: "We know there is a serious challenge to our party and to the authority and respect with which people hold the office of Taoiseach, so that is a serious issue and I expect both the Taoiseach and his colleagues to address that matter."

Capitalising on the Government's inner wranglings, Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore TD told reporters that Labour is ready for a General Election.

Speaking in Roscommon during the Labour Party's pre-Dail meeting, Mr Gilmore reiterated the need for job creation and that it was his party's objective to "win the race".

"The next general Eeection will decide the future direction of our country - probably for the next quarter century or more. And it will be the first election at which, Labour is, with credibilty, offering to lead the next Government.

"Two years ago I set out our objective to make politics in Ireland a three-way contest. That goal was met with some scepticism, but now it is very much a reality. We now have a three-horse race - and it is our responsibility and our objective to win that race," Eamon said.

(DW/GK)