TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen spoke to more than 40 members of his parliamentary party yesterday as part of a consultation process that will determine whether or not he will lead Fianna Fáil into the election.
Most of the conversations took place on the phone and further exchanges will take place today.
As his contacts with TDs continued the Labour Party announced that it intended to put down a motion of no confidence in the Government.
However, Government Chief Whip John Curran said that time would not be made available for the motion next week. The Labour Party would have to use its own Private Members’ time the following week if it wanted to pursue the issue.
It is a departure from normal practice for a Government to refuse time for a debate on a confidence motion.
Fine Gael criticised the timing of the Labour move as “ill-advised and badly timed” and a spokesman said that the party would not make a decision on the best course of action until the political situation clarified itself.
Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin said she spoke to Mr Cowen early yesterday evening by phone. “The Taoiseach is continuing to consult with members of the parliamentary party and I am satisfied that my views will be taken into consideration along with those of my party colleagues,” Ms Hanafin said.
The Minister declined to reveal what she told the Taoiseach but there was speculation among Fianna Fáil TDs that she told him it would be best if he stepped down as party leader. Speaking to reporters at the Young Scientist Exhibition, Ms Hanafin told reporters Mr Cowen’s consultation process should be finalised quickly.
Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan spent the day in his department. He went to Mr Cowen’s office at about 7pm, where the pair held what was described as a routine discussion.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin did not attempt to contact Mr Cowen yesterday.
Mr Martin was in his Cork South-Central constituency, operating between his home in Ballinlough and office in Turner’s Cross.
Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív, who has hinted he may put his name forward in the event of a leadership contest, did not speak to Mr Cowen yesterday.
"I'm more focused on the policy than the person. As long as the Taoiseach chooses to stay, I'll support him," he told The Irish Times.
Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews phoned Mr Cowen to tell him he would support whatever decision he made.
“I got the impression he wanted to do what’s best for Ireland and Fianna Fáil, and that’s always been his motivation in my view. He said people were very upfront with him. Even those who’ve criticised him realise he’s been dealt a very bad hand, but nobody doubts his honesty,” said Mr Andrews.
