Cowen to step down as leader of Fianna Fáil
Brian Cowen has confirmed that he is resigning as leader of Fianna Fáil, but will stay on as Taoiseach until the General Election.
Beginning his address in Irish, Brian Cowen said it had been a "personal honour to serve as Taoiseach" and that he had an "abiding commitment to and respect for the Fianna Fáil party".
"I want the party to be in the best possible position" going into the Election, he said.
"The focus should be on what policies the political parties are offering, rather than the narrow focus" on personalities, he added.
Bearing the events of the last week in mind, he said he had decided, after consultation with his family, to step down as Fianna Fáil leader.
