MINISTER FOR Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has announced he will vote against a motion of confidence in Brian Cowen’s leadership of Fianna Fáil at tomorrow’s parliamentary party meeting.
At a hastily convened press conference in Dublin last night, Mr Martin said he had “reluctantly concluded” that “Fianna Fáil should change its leader before the election, and I have informed the Taoiseach of this view.
“Having talked to most members of the parliamentary party, and, indeed, many members of the party across the country, I believe this is a widely held view.”
Earlier yesterday, at a press conference in the Alexander Hotel in Dublin, Mr Cowen said he had decided to remain as leader.
“Having consulted with my party colleagues, and having reflected on the current and future challenges, I have come to the conclusion that I should continue to lead the party. I believe this is in the best interest of stability of the Government, the country and our party.”
He said having a separate taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil would not work: “It could lead to confusion and dilution of authority for the persons concerned.”
The vote on the motion of confidence will be taken in secret. Asked about his level of support, Mr Cowen said he was confident he would lead the party into the election.
Mr Cowen’s closest supporters said last night the Taoiseach would get backing from 45 or more of the party’s TDs tomorrow and would easily see off the challenge.
Speaking on the basis of anonymity, a senior Minister said: “It will be settled quickly. His great advantage is that he’s spoken to every single one of the 70 TDs. He is smart and experienced enough to know his level of support.”
One senior figure supporting Mr Martin acknowledged the outcome would be “tight and could go either way”. The Martin supporter, speaking on condition of not being named, said Mr Martin needed to shift the allegiance of at least 10 TDs.
“A senior member of Cabinet has challenged the Taoiseach. TDs will have to make up their minds. They know the issues, they are well briefed, they have gone through the process,” Mr Martin’s supporter said.
It appeared last night that no other Minister would offer to resign.
Asked on RTÉ's The Week in Politicslast night why he did not sack Mr Martin, Mr Cowen said: "If we have a difference of opinion I want to crystallise that into a resolution. I don't want my leadership questioned. I want it to be resolved democratically, transparently, with everyone free to give their view, to have their vote by secret ballot and to do so in a way that's mutually respectful and that's about bringing the party together."
A spokeswoman for the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said he was glad the Taoiseach had placed a confidence motion. “It is a course of action he recommended to him during their discussions,” she said.
Mr Lenihan, who has said he has leadership ambitions, is expected to state his position today. Mr Cowen’s aides believe Mr Lenihan is broadly supportive of the Taoiseach.
Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin, another declared future leadership contender, would make no comment last night. It is understood she privately told Mr Cowen on Friday he ought to step down.
At his press conference in the Burlington Hotel, Mr Martin said his decision was prompted by resignations by Fianna Fáil TDs and ministers before and after Christmas, and the absence of direction in the party. He said the survival of the party was at stake.
“Our forefathers built this party. It has made a distinguished contribution to the country. It was involved in many significant milestones in education, European policy, the peace process and so forth,” he said.
“We owe it to ourselves, to the people who came before us and after us, to ensure that there is a vibrant Fianna Fáil party.”
Mr Martin rejected suggestions he was indecisive, pointing to the smoking ban and said he was proud of “leaving a mark” in every ministry he held.
Dublin South TD and former chief whip Tom Kitt said he would not support Mr Cowen’s motion of confidence. He welcomed the opportunity to vote on the matter. Speaking from London, Mr Kitt said he was “voting for change” and would not endorse another candidate at this stage. TDs who have previously made public their view that a change of leadership is required include John McGuinness, Noel O’Flynn, Ned O’Keeffe, Michael Kennedy, Chris Andrews, Sean Power and MJ Nolan.