Taoiseach denies FF TD's claim that he intends to resign

TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen has dismissed suggestions by Fianna Fáil Kildare South TD Seán Power that he intends to resign after the budget next month. Mr Cowen told the Dáil: “I have given no such indication to anybody including Deputy Power.”

The issue was raised by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore on the Order of Business.

He referred to an interview yesterday morning on local radio in Kildare by Mr Power, who has criticised Mr Cowen’s leadership in the past. He said the Taoiseach would resign “shortly after the budget is announced in December”.

Ceann Comhairle Séamus Kirk said the Order of Business was “not about what some deputy says outside the House”.

When he was ruled out of order Mr Gilmore said the resignation of the Taoiseach would be a matter for the Order of Business.

Mr Gilmore said the Kildare TD based his view “on views expressed to him privately by many Ministers”.

Turning to Mr Cowen, Mr Gilmore said: “Can I ask you Taoiseach is it your intention to resign shortly after the budget.”

Mr Cowen replied: “I stand as Taoiseach and I don’t divest any authority holding that office or in relation to any internal party matter. I stand as leader of Fianna Fáil and I want to make it very clear that as far as I’m concerned there are democratic processes in our party. They’re not relevant to your own situation. We’ll deal with our own business, but I want to assure you that as I stand and as I do my business I do not divest my authority to anyone.”

Pressed further on the matter of his resignation, the Taoiseach added: “I gave no such indication to anybody including Mr Power.”

The Kildare South TD had told local radio station KFM: “It is my understanding that shortly after the budget he will tender his resignation”.