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Cowen declares leadership intent Cowen declares leadership intent
(about 21 hours later)
The Republic of Ireland's Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, has formally put his name forward for the leadership of Fianna Fáil.The Republic of Ireland's Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, has formally put his name forward for the leadership of Fianna Fáil.
He is expected to be the only candidate when nominations for leadership contest close on Saturday at 1400 BST.He is expected to be the only candidate when nominations for leadership contest close on Saturday at 1400 BST.
Although it is still technically possible that another TD could enter the contest, it is highly unlikely.Although it is still technically possible that another TD could enter the contest, it is highly unlikely.
On Monday, Bertie Ahern announced he would step down as Irish premier and leader of Fianna Fáil next month. On Wednesday, Bertie Ahern announced he would step down as Irish premier and leader of Fianna Fáil next month.
Mr Cowen, the current Tánaiste, or deputy prime minister, looks certain of being named the new Fianna Fáil leader at a special meeting of the parliamentary party on Wednesday. Mr Cowen, the current Tánaiste, or deputy prime minister, looks certain of being named the new Fianna Fáil leader at a special meeting of the parliamentary party next Wednesday.
He will then become Taoiseach next month when Bertie Ahern steps down.He will then become Taoiseach next month when Bertie Ahern steps down.
Mr Cowen said he had no problem with intense media scrutiny of his public duties but he had strong views about legitimate boundaries which could not be crossed in coverage of private and family life.Mr Cowen said he had no problem with intense media scrutiny of his public duties but he had strong views about legitimate boundaries which could not be crossed in coverage of private and family life.
Mr Cowen was nominated by the Justice minister Brian Lenihan, and seconded by Agriculture minister Mary Coughlan.Mr Cowen was nominated by the Justice minister Brian Lenihan, and seconded by Agriculture minister Mary Coughlan.