Will Cowen go today...?

[Dub13]

Been keeping an eye on this all day,one tweet there on twitter just said he was gone and its official.The whole government could collapse in the coming days.

[bobby benitez]

I hope not, I've a fiver on him still been boss man at Paddy's day.

[Rover 609]

Fianna Fail are a dead party,no one believes anything thats said anymore no matter how hard politicians try.

How could anyone say they believe Cowen when he says no bank talk was on the agenda the day of the 18 holes.

The socialist left are going to go to town at the election,get ready to get your punk albums out.:cool:

[Benbecul97]

I hope not.
With him at the helm they will get wiped out in the election.
With a new leader they will get a bounce.

[Dub13]

The socialist left are going to go to town at the election,get ready to get your punk albums out.:cool:


About time to,I cant wait to have Joe Higgins back in the dail.What may save Cowen is why would anybody want to become leader of FF now..?if you did want to be leader your best bet would be to take over after the election.

[byrnetred]

Quicker he finance bill is passed the quicker we can get on with running the country with a new government

[Ron1892]

Seems it wa just a media freenzy which they picked up totally wrong.

[GaryMc]

Watching some of the interactions in the Dail yesterday was like something out of a comedy movie. Those in high positions in all parties are figures of fun for most of us, Cowen, Kenny, Coughlin, Burton, Noonan. I can't take any of them seriously. Brian Dobson asked Kenny about the FG website going down, he obviously had a spiel prepared for it, but then Dobbo asked him why it was American company hosting the site and not an Irish one as they are always blamming FF for not promoting Irish Business. He had not a clue what to say.

I can't wait till some of the candidates come knocking on my door. I will be asking them what they can do for me and their email address. I will email them what they told me they would do back to them that same day. If they get elected and go back on their promises, then I will be right onto them with that email.

[Juan]

This is intresting.Sinn Fein members were at Druids Glen at a wedding,the same day Cowen.. and the men from anglo irish bank were there also.

Sinn Féin's sucker punch takes the wind out of Taoiseach but no doubt he's forgotten it already
DÃ�IL SKETCH: Swanky Shinners sink a hole in one as Cowen’s memory fails to conjure up elephant in the room

DID YOU hear the one about the Taoiseach, the three big noises from Anglo and the Central Bank director? No? And did you hear the one about the swanky Sinn Féin wedding, Anglo the elephant and the driver who ate the dinner? No? And you would never have heard them either, had you been relying on Brian Cowen to fill you in.

The Taoiseach, for all his protestations of openness and transparency, had no intention of spilling the beans until CaoimhghÃ*n Ó Caoláin put him on the spot in the Dáil yesterday.

For a man who passionately insists he has nothing to hide, Biffo is a dab hand at sweeping salient facts under the carpet.

He spent a lengthy Leaders’ Questions stressing he has been completely up front with all the details of his contacts with representatives from Anglo Irish Bank in the run-up to the blanket bank guarantee. He bridled at suggestions he was less than forthcoming, accusing the Opposition of trying to damage him personally with “a patently absurd conspiracy theory”.

Furthermore, while he may have played golf with a director and former director of Anglo Irish Bank, before dining with them afterwards, he is adamant they never talked about the aforementioned financial institution, which was going down the tubes.

Yes, he met Seán FitzPatrick and others from the stricken bank, but there was nothing to it, outside the fevered imaginations of his Opposition detractors. He said their disgraceful accusations against him and the party he reveres were politically motivated.

Of course they are. What does the tribal Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil think he does for a living? Brian Cowen has been involved in a lot of scrapes since his unfortunate term of office began, nearly all of his own making.

When the inevitable reckoning rolls around at Leaders’ Questions, he routinely dismisses criticism from his opponents as political opportunism. He is never to blame for anything. There are never serious questions to answer.

In the world according to Biffo, Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore are simply playing the political game. That seems to be the Taoiseach’s answer to everything when he’s under pressure in the chamber.

But sometimes, when his opponents aren’t hopping the ball, they have very valid questions that cannot be waved away just because the Taoiseach dislikes the motives and political breeding of the men asking them.

Yesterday was a case in point. There are valid reasons for asking what exactly was Brian Cowen’s connection with the money men from Anglo Irish Bank – billions of reasons, to be precise. But he didn’t like being asked them yesterday and went on the attack when pressed.

The story of the Taoiseach’s golf outing with two Anglo directors has received huge publicity since it broke at the weekend – one would have expected him to have every detail at his fingertips for yesterday’s Dáil showdown on the matter.

He didn’t. He sounded nervous, giving rambling and unsatisfactory replies, but he appeared to do enough to limp away from Leaders’ Questions relatively unharmed. Then Ó Caoláin, Sinn Féin leader in Leinster House, blindsided him with a speculative tackle.

It turned out that Sleeveen attended a wedding in Druids Glen on the same day as Brian Cowen, Seán FitzPatrick and Fintan Drury enjoyed their threesome on the course.

“It was a big Sinn Féin wedding,” a party activist told us. “Pearse Doherty was the best man.”

The Shinners have come a long way from pints in the Widow Scallans. Good for them. In Druids Glen the dress code is very definitely Tiochfaidh Armani.

So. Sinn Féin was in one part of the hotel and the Anglo Irish Bank glitterati were in the other. But let us be clear, the only bandits in the vicinity were the ones playing down their handicaps on the golf course.

There was precious little detail on the golf dinner from the Taoiseach yesterday. It was presumed that he ate in the company of FitzPatrick and Drury – one current and one recently serving Anglo director.

But Sleeveen wasn’t so sure, as he had gone into the restaurant and spoken to the Taoiseach at his table. “Was there anybody else involved in the company, because it was apparent to me that there were a number of people in the wider company and more than two . . .”

There was a sharp intake of breath from all sides. We half expected Sleeveen to inform us that Col Mustard was later found beaten to death with a candlestick in the library.

It was then that Brian Cowen had to ’fess up. They were joined by Gary McGann, another director of Anglo and Alan Gray, a director of the Central Bank.

But it must be stressed that the business of Anglo Irish Bank was never discussed by this distinguished group of men, even though Anglo was on the verge of collapse and was later bailed out by Cowen’s Government because it believed it to be of systemic importance to the survival of our banking system.

A Garda driver was also present. Unlike the Mahon tribunal, we understand he did eat the dinner. We do not know who picked up the tab for the food and drink, although some might argue that we’re all paying for it now.

According to reports from Druids Glen, we hear that the dinner was pleasant enough but the smell from Anglo the elephant was chronic. This is the elephant that entered the room with the Taoiseach and the bankers but was ignored for the entire evening.

Staff rose magnificently to the occasion, serving the Taoiseach’s table with the minimum of fuss while Jumbo trumpeted and flapped his ears throughout.

They saw and heard nothing.

Unbelievable, but there you are. So unbelievable that the Taoiseach nearly forgot about it and it hadn’t been for the swanky Shinners, we still wouldn’t have known.

The elephant was later removed from the room and shot.

Why? Because an elephant never forgets. That would never do.

[Rover 609]

What price Cowen ends up in jail along with Sean Quinn and Sean Fitzpatrick and the gang along with Patrick Neary?

[GaryMc]

What price Cowen ends up in jail along with Sean Quinn and Sean Fitzpatrick and the gang along with Patrick Neary?

100000000000000003/2:cool:

[vodkacolly]

He's to make an announcement on his position as leader of FF tonight

[graham]

There's a special news bulletin on RTE 1 in a few minutes.
Could be the announcement

[Rover 609]

Looks like he's staying.FOC!!

[Juan]

This is some joke..FF are a bunch of Bandits and Thieves.
Him and his cronies should be in jail..but we know that wont happen.

[stiffler]

not going

[wakbakduken]

If anyone of those FF weasels had balls they would have told him to do one by now.

[Juan]

"Staying for the good of the country" "Im not motivated by personal ambition"
Ive nearly pissed myself laughing!Pure verbal Diarrhea from the buffoon.
Some good might come out of this..ie.it could go from 12% into 8% for them now,after that fiasco.
A secret vote by the mafia on tuesday so.

[Conners]

He must feel confident after his one to one meetings but he might not have the support he thinks when it comes to a secret ballot

[babbsnads]

Good idea all the same with the one to one meetings.he knew 90% of them wouldn't have the balls to take him on in a one on one situation. I agree with fine gael about labours no confidence motion too. Very poorly timed.

[Rover 609]

Michael Martin giving a press conference in an hour,why would he give one to endorse Cowen surely its to say he doesnt had confidence in him,could be fireworks tonight!!!

[Juan]

Nearly half a million on the dole,The country fcuked and bankrupt,people getting out of the country..cuts and levies for the working class..and more to come.Pensions for the blind cut,Patients on trolleys because of shortage of beds.Saddled us..and our children with the debts of their cronies,while they go unpunished.
Continuiously pissing down on the people of Irelands heads..while telling us its only a bit of rain. They only care for themselves and the rich.
And if there was any doubt.. heres the real reason why he didnt go tonight..
He took office in May 2008. If he holds office until April 2011 i.e. a three year term, he will be entitled to a full Taoiseach’s pension of around €100,000 and a TD pension of around €53,000 per year.

[GaryMc]

Biffo won the leadership vote, are they nuts?

[prendy]

Biffo won the leadership vote, are they nuts?

suits the opposition, no rally of a new leader to save them... hopefully this corrupt excuse for a party now gets wiped out in March.

[Axel96]

Biffo won the leadership vote, are they nuts?

Yes they are...shows how out of touch with the people they are

[Carroll9]

Biffo won the leadership vote, are they nuts?

Not surprised at all.They will do anything to cling on to power.It will come back to bite them in the ass come election time.

[wakbakduken]

Atleast gift grub will still be able to rip the piss

[Rover 609]

Biffo won the leadership vote, are they nuts?

Bye bye whats left FF.

[Juan]

FF chief whip(bully boy ..Henchman..Enforcer) john curran was asked what was the final voting count? The Votes have been shredded,we havent the numbers.incredible carry on.

[redabbey]

Biffo won the leadership vote, are they nuts?

It was always going to be the result. No way were the Dub Td's (Lenihan in particular) going to roll in behind a Corkman.

[Carroll9]

Martin resigns as minister of foreign affairs.

[babbsnads]

I think a lot of them would prefer lenihan to martin. Lenihan will be the next leader. He was protecting his own interests weighing in behind biffo.

[Shay]

What do people think of Martin?

[Juan]

Brian Cowen.."FF is very determined to face the election,Proud of the fact it has done whats necessary for the country"

[Rover 609]

I think a lot of them would prefer lenihan to martin. Lenihan will be the next leader. He was protecting his own interests weighing in behind biffo.

He blew it,he hadnt the balls to look for change when it gave them a glimmer of hope.The will be annihilated beyond belief with Cowens stupid face on posters,they'll be lucky to have as many seats as the Shinners and other far left after the election.

[Rover 609]

What do people think of Martin?

I like him,for a man who only buried his daughter a couple of months ago and gave it a shot to save his party throwing himself at the mercy of it,more front than the rest of the ****s put together.

[Rover 609]

Hapu on Prime Time now is right,no one really cares who is the leader of FF,everyone just cant wait to lynch them at the election.

[Benbecul97]

Biffo won the leadership vote, are they nuts?

Thankfully yes! Delighted cos they will be wiped out now. They would have done much better with Michael Martin on the posters in the election.

[Anfield Old Boys]

FF chief whip(bully boy ..Henchman..Enforcer) john curran was asked what was the final voting count? The Votes have been shredded,we havent the numbers.incredible carry on.

vote was 42 - 29 according to good source on p.ie

[Shay]

vote was 42 - 29 according to good source on p.ie

Madness, Micheal Martin gave them a lifeline to have any sort of chance of keeping that party going imo. That party is gone now I reckon

[Rover 609]

Gilmore at 13/2 to be next Taoiseach with Paddypower is a ****ing cracking value bet.

[northside red]

Gilmore at 13/2 to be next Taoiseach with Paddypower is a ****ing cracking value bet.

I'd love it but you'll never get the working class vote out, if you could it would change this country forever.

[Rover 609]

I'd love it but you'll never get the working class vote out, if you could it would change this country forever.

Labour siad the would rather an arrangement with the Hezzbollah than the shinners but if Gilmore gets the scent of Taoiseach in his nostrils and the numbers of Labour,shinners,others lefties and independents can make it happen dont be surprised he grasps it.

[Anfield Old Boys]

That party is gone now I reckon

Great...isn't it?

[northside red]

bernard allen going in cork today might give labour 1 more seat but nationwide the working class vote will be split between lab,sf, wp, ind.
fine gael will pick up ff, pd, greens

had my first canvasser tonight ,
fine gael fella, we're looking for your vote
me, no fvck off, i'm not voting for you & close the porch after ya
fine gael fella, why not, who are you supporting.
me, labour or sinn fein. you're no better than those other c0nts

He legged it, wait till ff or dan boyle comes!

[Benbecul97]

Gilmore at 13/2 to be next Taoiseach with Paddypower is a ****ing cracking value bet.

In a 2 horse race that is a great price.

For it to happen though Labour would want to be hitting the 50 seat mark and I cant see that happening. The Spring tide in 92 brought in 33 seats - their best result.

[bobby benitez]

Gilmore at 13/2 to be next Taoiseach with Paddypower is a ****ing cracking value bet.

Can you get a price on him not to be elected?

[Garrett]

I think a lot of them would prefer lenihan to martin. Lenihan will be the next leader. He was protecting his own interests weighing in behind biffo.


I'd tend to agree, mind you a lot depends on Lenihan's health .... sadly the man has cancer and that's not going away, even if the treatment he's had has extended his life expectancy / improved his comfort levels.

All in all, I expect FF to struggle to be the third largest party after this election, but on the basis that a load of them won't be re-elected or some simply won't have the courage to stand (claiming to have retired after this Dail etc), I'm expecting a bunch of new, younger TDs to emerge and perhaps in 6-8 years, start to impress as a party again.

Gilmore becoming Taoiseach doesn't appeal to me, despite the desperate need for change, at the Dail these days .... he recently stated he'd rather not see convicted criminals go to jail, if prosecuted at the District Courts or something similar. That's absolute bollox from a man who is meant to be a future leader of our country.... build another few jails (convert some of those empty, deserted hotels maybe), if we're stuck for space, but FFS don't be telling all the petty criminals they can do all the small crime they want and never be thrown in jail for it !!!!

[Rover 609]

Can you get a price on him not to be elected?

1/12 Kenny as it can only be one or the other.

[Dub13]

Labour siad the would rather an arrangement with the Hezzbollah than the shinners but if Gilmore gets the scent of Taoiseach in his nostrils and the numbers of Labour,shinners,others lefties and independents can make it happen dont be surprised he grasps it.


This would be a ideal situation IMO.

[Benbecul97]

This would be a ideal situation IMO.

Be careful what you wish for!

[elvis]

This would be a ideal situation IMO.

I agree, well its the best of whats potentially on offer.

Be careful what you wish for!

Why is that ?

[Axel96]

Brian Cowen.."FF is very determined to face the election,Proud of the fact it has done whats necessary for the country"

Brought in the IMF!!!

[Benbecul97]

I agree, well its the best of whats potentially on offer.



Why is that ?

Because of the broad spectrum of "lefties" and some of their policies.

[Dub13]

Be careful what you wish for!

But I am just shy of been a communist so it would be like a big wet dream for me.

[babbsnads]

The way a lot of the analysts are reading it,and I agree,is that the next government will be made up of fine gael and labour. Neither of them will have the numbers on their own but will comfortably have the numbers between them which would mean there will be no independents or shinners in government. I normally vote sinn fein,because their candidates do great work at ground level for their constituents but I think for the next few years local issues will be put on the backburner because the country is in such a shit state. So imo I reckon it will have to be a straight choice between labour and fine gael. I was reasonably impressed with fine gaels manifesto so that's where my vote will be going

[bobby benitez]

1/12 Kenny as it can only be one or the other.

I meant a price on Gilmore not even winning his seat in South Dublin? If the odds where tasty enough I'd throw a couple of quid on it. McDowell was PD leader when he wasn't elected, Peter Robinson was a shoe in for leader up north, same thing happeded to him.

I've a feeling 2 lefties will get elected in SD, leaving 2 spots between Labour, FG, Greens and FF. If Gilmore is canvasing all around the country he could leave the door open for an embrassaring defeat.

[Rover 609]

I meant a price on Gilmore not even winning his seat in South Dublin? If the odds where tasty enough I'd throw a couple of quid on it. McDowell was PD leader when he wasn't elected, Peter Robinson was a shoe in for leader up north, same thing happeded to him.

I've a feeling 2 lefties will get elected in SD, leaving 2 spots between Labour, FG, Greens and FF. If Gilmore is canvasing all around the country he could leave the door open for an embrassaring defeat.

He's Dublin South isnt he?

Paddypower will have prices for all constituencies when runners and riders are announced.

[Benbecul97]

He's Dublin South isnt he?

Paddypower will have prices for all constituencies when runners and riders are announced.

No. Gilmore is in Dun Laoghaire. He is a dead cert for election.

In 2007 these 5 were returned.
Mary Hanafin (FF), Barry Andrews (FF), Eamonn Gilmore (LAB), Sean Barrett (FG) & Ciaran Cuffe (G). Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) just missed out.

1 FF and the Greens should lose out here.

[Benbecul97]

The Tourism and Culture Minister Mary Hanafin has said she did not vote for Brian Cowen in last night's confidence motion.

But Ms Hanafin said she always had confidence in him as Taoiseach and was only deciding on his position as Fianna Fáil leader.

She said despite voting against him she did not offer her resignation, nor did Mr Cowen look for it.

Minister Hanafin said she has no problem remaining in Cabinet with Brian Cowen as Taoiseach.

Earlier, Mr Cowen announced he is to take over the Foreign Affairs portfolio after Micheál Martin quit following a failed leadership challenge.

Mr Cowen confirmed Mr Martin’s resignation had been accepted by President Mary McAleese and he would take over the role for the “time being�.

The Taoiseach made the announcement after talks with junior coalition Government partners the Greens.

It is understood Mr Cowen met Green leader John Gormley for more than an hour and a half today at Government Buildings to discuss a timetable for a general election and passing the Finance Bill and other legislation.

Voters are expected to go to the polls within the next three months, possibly March 25.

Enda Kenny, leader of the main Opposition party Fine Gael, took a swipe at the Taoiseach after he confirmed Mr Martin’s resignation in the Dail (parliament).

“I hope it does not turn out like out some other things you’ve taken charge of,� Mr Kenny said.



Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/hanafin-voted-against-taoiseach-in-confidence-motion-489920.html#ixzz1BUFI88l3


What bullsh1t! At least Michael Martin had the decency to resign.

[Derekc]

The Tourism and Culture Minister Mary Hanafin has said she did not vote for Brian Cowen in last night's confidence motion.

But Ms Hanafin said she always had confidence in him as Taoiseach and was only deciding on his position as Fianna Fáil leader.

She said despite voting against him she did not offer her resignation, nor did Mr Cowen look for it.

Minister Hanafin said she has no problem remaining in Cabinet with Brian Cowen as Taoiseach.

Earlier, Mr Cowen announced he is to take over the Foreign Affairs portfolio after Micheál Martin quit following a failed leadership challenge.

Mr Cowen confirmed Mr Martin’s resignation had been accepted by President Mary McAleese and he would take over the role for the “time being�.

The Taoiseach made the announcement after talks with junior coalition Government partners the Greens.

It is understood Mr Cowen met Green leader John Gormley for more than an hour and a half today at Government Buildings to discuss a timetable for a general election and passing the Finance Bill and other legislation.

Voters are expected to go to the polls within the next three months, possibly March 25.

Enda Kenny, leader of the main Opposition party Fine Gael, took a swipe at the Taoiseach after he confirmed Mr Martin’s resignation in the Dail (parliament).

“I hope it does not turn out like out some other things you’ve taken charge of,� Mr Kenny said.



Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/hanafin-voted-against-taoiseach-in-confidence-motion-489920.html#ixzz1BUFI88l3


What bullsh1t! At least Michael Martin had the decency to resign.

+1

Hannafin is a witch. Typical FF, she'll do anything to cling to power.

[babbsnads]

So what hanafin is saying is that biffo isn't good enough to run fianna fail but he's good enough to run the country. Just when you think they can't get any more offensive. She has a fight on her hands to keep her seat and this won't have done her any favours.

[GaryMc]

Health Minister Mary Harney has announced tonight that she will not contest the general election.

Ms Harney's announcement had been widely expected.

But it has emerged that she has also tendered her resignation as Health Minister.

While her request has not been formally accepted by the Taoiseach, Ms Harney told RTE tonight that it is a mere formality.

The move now clears the way for a wider cabinet reshuffle with the Foreign Affairs portfolio also to be filled.



http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/harney-offers-resignation-to-taoiseach-489998.html

[Kop On]

I have a pain in my boll*x with all our politicans and our political system.

As I seen somebody say on twitter tonight "all we're gonna do in the next election is replace the current bunch of arseholes with a different bunch of dickheads!"

It's absolutely sickening the pensions and pay off all these politicans will now walk away with. They are leaving the ordinary man and women on the bread line while they'll be rewarded for failure.

[Anfield Old Boys]

Health Minister Mary Harney has announced tonight that she will not contest the general election.

Ms Harney's announcement had been widely expected.

But it has emerged that she has also tendered her resignation as Health Minister.

While her request has not been formally accepted by the Taoiseach, Ms Harney told RTE tonight that it is a mere formality.

The move now clears the way for a wider cabinet reshuffle with the Foreign Affairs portfolio also to be filled.

url]http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/harney-offers-resignation-to-taoiseach-489998.html[/url]

As a guy said on P.ie "ding dong the witch is dead!" Maybe we will now invest in something other than private medicine...

[Derekc]

Health Minister Mary Harney has announced tonight that she will not contest the general election.

Ms Harney's announcement had been widely expected.

But it has emerged that she has also tendered her resignation as Health Minister.

While her request has not been formally accepted by the Taoiseach, Ms Harney told RTE tonight that it is a mere formality.

The move now clears the way for a wider cabinet reshuffle with the Foreign Affairs portfolio also to be filled.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/harney-offers-resignation-to-taoiseach-489998.html


Tough job being the health minister but she was a disgrace. God enough for her.

[Juan]

Health Minister Mary Harney has announced tonight that she will not contest the general election.

Ms Harney's announcement had been widely expected.

But it has emerged that she has also tendered her resignation as Health Minister.

While her request has not been formally accepted by the Taoiseach, Ms Harney told RTE tonight that it is a mere formality.

The move now clears the way for a wider cabinet reshuffle with the Foreign Affairs portfolio also to be filled.



http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/harney-offers-resignation-to-taoiseach-489998.html

Just heard she will get a TD pension of €52..A Ministers pension of €60...and a lump sum of €160k.Thats disgraceful.
Im off to bed..which is more than 500 hospital patients can say!

[Benbecul97]

Health Minister Mary Harney has announced tonight that she will not contest the general election.

Ms Harney's announcement had been widely expected.

But it has emerged that she has also tendered her resignation as Health Minister.

While her request has not been formally accepted by the Taoiseach, Ms Harney told RTE tonight that it is a mere formality.

The move now clears the way for a wider cabinet reshuffle with the Foreign Affairs portfolio also to be filled.


http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/harney-offers-resignation-to-taoiseach-489998.html


At least like Michael Martin she had the decency to resign...and embarrassed the other three into doing the same.

[elvis]

At least like Michael Martin she had the decency to resign...and embarrassed the other three into doing the same.

I heard on the radio that she is getting a payout in the region of 300k, surely that cant be right.

[south]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0119/harneym.html

Noel Dempsey, Dermot Ahern and Tony Killeen have joined Mary Harney in resigning from Cabinet.

Noel Dempsey, Dermot Ahern and Tony Killeen have joined Mary Harney in resigning from Cabinet.

A spokesman for the Taoiseach confirmed that he had received letters of resignation from the three.

The ministers had already announced that they are not to contest the general election.

Their letters are to be forwarded to the President who will formally accept the resignations.

Their resignations bring the number of vacancies in the Cabinet to five.

Earlier, Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney announced that she had offered her resignation to the Taoiseach, after deciding not to contest the next General Election.

Ms Harney told RTÉ News this evening that she did not believe it was appropriate for someone who was not running in the election to continue to serve in Cabinet.

She said she had informed the Taoiseach of her decision last week, but that he asked her to hold off on the announcement.

Ms Harney said she assumed that her resignation would be accepted, and that as the Taoiseach already had to fill one vacancy at Cabinet, he would fill her position at the same time.

Asked if she expected further resignations of Ministers who are not contesting the election, she said that was a matter for the individuals concerned.

The former leader of the Progressive Democrats has served as Minister for Heath since 2004, as well as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Ms Harney, who served as Tánaiste to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, was first elected to the Dáil in 1981.

[vodkacolly]

http://www.politics.ie/current-affairs/134044-brian-cowen-still-worlds-4th-highest-paid-politician-342-400-a.html

These figures are from May 2010 ... Link

1. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, Singapore
Annual salary: $2.75 million

2. Donald Tsang, Chief Executive, Hong Kong
Annual salary: $515,300

3. Barack Obama, President, United States
Annual salary: $400,000

4. Brian Cowen, Taoiseach, Ireland
Annual salary: $342,400
5. Nicolas Sarkozy, President, France
Annual salary: $319,800

6. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister, Australia
Annual salary: $315,800

7. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister, Canada
Annual salary: $309,800

8. Jacob Zuma, President, South Africa
Annual salary: $305,800

9. Angela Merkel, Chancellor, Germany
Annual salary: $303,800

10. Gordon Brown (now David Cameron), Prime Minister, United Kingdom
Annual salary: $300,400

[Kop On]

http://www.politics.ie/current-affairs/134044-brian-cowen-still-worlds-4th-highest-paid-politician-342-400-a.html

These figures are from May 2010 ... Link

1. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, Singapore
Annual salary: $2.75 million

2. Donald Tsang, Chief Executive, Hong Kong
Annual salary: $515,300

3. Barack Obama, President, United States
Annual salary: $400,000

4. Brian Cowen, Taoiseach, Ireland
Annual salary: $342,400
5. Nicolas Sarkozy, President, France
Annual salary: $319,800

6. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister, Australia
Annual salary: $315,800

7. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister, Canada
Annual salary: $309,800

8. Jacob Zuma, President, South Africa
Annual salary: $305,800

9. Angela Merkel, Chancellor, Germany
Annual salary: $303,800

10. Gordon Brown (now David Cameron), Prime Minister, United Kingdom
Annual salary: $300,400

Here's something to ponder. There are more people living in the state of Louisiana in the US than there is in the whole of Ireland. Still though the leader of our country gets paid almost double what Obama gets paid.

[Derekc]

i think mary hanafin is the worst of the lot. Voting against cowen and still clinging onto ministry, out of touch with reality been in power that long.

[DalglishN]

Just on the pensions please tell me they are not entitiled to them if they stand down!!!(on the wireless this am they wouldnt be getting it or was it just Michael Martin)
Does this mean if he does a cabinet reshuffle that the new ministers will be entitled to them also even though they possibly only serving 2/3 months????

[Derekc]

Just on the pensions please tell me they are not entitiled to them if they stand down!!!(on the wireless this am they wouldnt be getting it or was it just Michael Martin)
Does this mean if he does a cabinet reshuffle that the new ministers will be entitled to them also even though they possibly only serving 2/3 months????

i'm pretty sure no matter what once you have served 30 months as a minister you get the pension.

It's worth most of their while to retire at this stage, shower of b*stards.

[DalglishN]

i'm pretty sure no matter what once you have served 30 months as a minister you get the pension.

It's worth most of their while to retire at this stage, shower of b*stards.

They dont want to face the vote in spring cowards!!!!!!!
I heard that pikey Dempsey on the radio and he said whatever you do in politics these days your wrong and thats why he's stepping down!!!!!

[Derekc]

They dont want to face the vote in spring cowards!!!!!!!
I heard that pikey Dempsey on the radio and he said whatever you do in politics these days your wrong and thats why he's stepping down!!!!!

with the pay offs they get they're being rewarded for failure, makes the blood boil.

[elvis]

with the pay offs they get they're being rewarded for failure, makes the blood boil.

How can you get a big pay off, for failing, being incompetant and resigning? Surely when you decide to quit, you lose out on any payoff/remaining salary and benefits. Shower of cowboys, thieves and cnuts, the lot of them are greedy bsatards too, not an honest bone amongst them,.

[Derekc]

How can you get a big pay off, for failing, being incompetant and resigning? Surely when you decide to quit, you lose out on any payoff/remaining salary and benefits. Shower of cowboys, thieves and cnuts, the lot of them are greedy bsatards too, not an honest bone amongst them,.

same with clowns who leave banks and state agencies, surely if you resign you should get nowt, absolute sham. None of them accountable either.

[diggy]

These shites that take there pensions and run should be shunned by the general public whereever they go. Make it clear that they aren't welcome whatever they do or whereever they go. Its criminal that they can choose to walk away from a public job long before pensionable age and be financially secure for life despite failing miserably in their roles.

They may be scared to face the public vote but they should be made to fear to face the public. Spineless.

[Axel96]

These shites that take there pensions and run should be shunned by the general public whereever they go. Make it clear that they aren't welcome whatever they do or whereever they go. Its criminal that they can choose to walk away from a public job long before pensionable age and be financially secure for life despite failing miserably in their roles.

They may be scared to face the public vote but they should be made to fear to face the public. Spineless.

What's the bets they will come back at the next election, after this upcoming one...thinking that everyone will have forgotten about their mistakes..

[Rover 609]

Good chance the government will collapse today.

[Benbecul97]

Good chance the government will collapse today.

Its a complete farce now with half a cabinet. It will surely have to collapse now.

[Axel96]

Cowen is expected to address the Dail at 1.30 today...to reveal how he plans to deal with the resignations of at least five Cabinet ministers....

Could see the Greens walk out after this...

[Rover 609]

Its a complete farce now with half a cabinet. It will surely have to collapse now.

There saying on the news now that the hippies will be happy with existing ministers doubling up portfolio's instead of new promotions from junior and back benches.

[Derekc]

What's the bets they will come back at the next election, after this upcoming one...thinking that everyone will have forgotten about their mistakes..

good point. the amount of clowns that have been re-elected is proof enough of the short memories of people.

[Axel96]

good point. the amount of clowns that have been re-elected is proof enough of the short memories of people.

Yeah that's it, they'll take a few years off from politics, enjoy their pension..then when FG/Lab or whoever don't improve things. They will come back like they are some messiahs here to save the country. Even though they were the ones that fecked it up in the first place!!

[Tarabuses]

There saying on the news now that the hippies will be happy with existing ministers doubling up portfolio's instead of new promotions from junior and back benches.

If ministers can handle two portfolios then that should be the situation going forward after the next election. It will save the country millions.

[Axel96]

If ministers can handle two portfolios then that should be the situation going forward after the next election. It will save the country millions.

Good point, the amount of Ministers, Junior Ministers we have is far too much. The cost of pay and pensions for them is far too high...

[Benbecul97]

Election on March 11th

[vodkacolly]

If ministers can handle two portfolios then that should be the situation going forward after the next election. It will save the country millions.

The problem is they can't even handle one properly;)

[Axel96]

Seen this posted by somone on Facebook, so dont know the source:

Mary Harney has bailed the sinking ship....not before she gets
* An annual ministerial pension of about €69,200.
* A TD's pension of around €50,600 per year.
* A pension lump sum of around €160,000.
* A termination lump sum of around €17,000.
...* And a year of monthly termination payments from the Oireachtas worth another €66,900See more

[elvis]

Seen this posted by somone on Facebook, so dont know the source:

Mary Harney has bailed the sinking ship....not before she gets
* An annual ministerial pension of about €69,200.
* A TD's pension of around €50,600 per year.
* A pension lump sum of around €160,000.
* A termination lump sum of around €17,000.
...* And a year of monthly termination payments from the Oireachtas worth another €66,900See more

I hate that cow even more now, Id say its about right,. How can she justify taking fees and pensions like that, especially when she knows the countrys skint.

[Axel96]

I hate that cow even more now, Id say its about right,. How can she justify taking fees and pensions like that, especially when she knows the countrys skint.

Would make you sick...anyone that calls to my door is really going to get it!!

[prendy]

he's giving a press conference at the moment, looks like he'll step down.

[vodkacolly]

Gone. Cheerio!

[MrsPepe]

staying on as Taoiseach?

[Carroll9]

It shouldn't make a difference to the way people vote in the upcoming election.

[serpheus]

Biffo is gone

[vodkacolly]

It shouldn't make a difference to the way people vote in the upcoming election.

Depending on who takes his place..FF might win a few voters back but it wont effect the overall outcome.

[Anfield Old Boys]

Pity, if he stayed on it would have been worse for FF. Still not their worse leader..that prize goes to that g+bshite..Bertie...

[Molby Is a Legend]

staying on as Taoiseach?

Can he tho? Surely it has to be a party leader?

[prendy]

staying on as Taoiseach?

looks like it, doesnt really matter coz its only 7 weeks to election. wouldnt make sense to get someone else in as toaiseach for such a short time IMO.

[prendy]

Can he tho? Surely it has to be a party leader?

no rule about this so long as he gets the backing of the house.

[Anfield Old Boys]

Depending on who takes his place..FF might win a few voters back but it wont effect the overall outcome.

True....this heave was all about the backbenchers looking for a lift...saving their ass nothing to do with any concern for the country

[Rover 609]

Yesterday was madness,he in the North telling everyone he won the motion of confidence and was leading FF into the election and beyond while every parlimentary party member coming out saying he needs to go!!! who has been advising the guy????

[Carroll9]

looks like it, doesnt really matter coz its only 7 weeks to election. wouldnt make sense to get someone else in as toaiseach for such a short time IMO.

Looks like Mary Hanafin will get her wish.He's good enough to run the country but not good enough to be Fianna Fail leader.Well.For a short time at least.

[vodkacolly]

Yesterday was madness,he in the North telling everyone he won the motion of confidence and was leading FF into the election and beyond while every parlimentary party member coming out saying he needs to go!!! who has been advising the guy????

PaddyPower

[Juan]

Forest Gump.

[Axel96]

True....this heave was all about the backbenchers looking for a lift...saving their ass nothing to do with any concern for the country

This is all the FF TD's are at now...looking to try save their seats, making out that FF have changed...but they are still the same shower....

Had FG around looking for votes earlier, i told them where to go as well...good job the match was over!!!

[GaryMc]

Beyond a joke at this stage. Pantomine stuff.

[Benbecul97]

Michael Martin has just been confirmed as Cowen's replacement.

[GaryMc]

Michael Martin has just been confirmed as Cowen's replacement.

Gift Grub and Knob Nation will be delighted. Material for next four years sorted.

[Axel96]

Michael Martin has just been confirmed as Cowen's replacement.

Will prob get FF a bit more support, but not much hopefully...