Brian CowenPosition: Tánaiste and Minister for Finance
Age:47
Party:Fianna Fáil
Constituency:Laois-Offaly Political career: Elected to the Dáil in 1984 in a byelection caused by the death of his father, Ber Cowen, it was his first electoral contest. Seen as the heir apparent to the leadership, his appointment as Tánaiste further enhances his leadership prospects. His first ministerial post came when Albert Reynolds appointed him to full Cabinet rank when he took over as taoiseach in 1992.
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Immediate challenges:With a downturn predicted in the economy, the earlier bulging national coffers may not be available to him. A conservative on fiscal matters, he will have to keep a close eye on the State's purse strings.