Irish finance minister Cowen poised to take over from Ahern

Article reports that Brian Cowen, the current Irish Finance Minister, is likely to be confirmed as successor to Bertie Ahern as leader of Fianna Fáil, the ruling party, and future Taoiseach (Prime Minister), following Mr Ahern announcement on the 2 April 2008 that he would step down in May 2008.

BBC News, 3.4.08: The last days of the Teflon taoiseach http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7327993.stm

Ireland: Government: Statement by An Taoiseach..., 2 April 2008 http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/index.asp?locID=584&docID=3821

Irish Times, 2.4.08: Political leaders react to Ahern resignation http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0402/breaking37.htm

BBC News, 5.4.08: Cowen to succeed Ahern as leader http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7331731.stm

Spiegel Online International, 2.4.08: Irish PM Bertie Ahern Announces Resignation http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,544904,00.html

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