IRISH taoiseach Brian Cowen dramatically announced he would stand down as leader of the country's ruling Fianna Fail party yesterday, but will remain at the head of govern

...although this one is over in Ireland. After a turbulent week, Brian Cowen has stood down as leader of Fianna Fail, yet he staggers on as Taoiseach  until the general election on 11 March: Channel 4 have a useful summary of the contenders to replace him.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has said the Irish government will defeat a motion of no confidence put forward by the Labour Party in the Dail.

The four Sinn Féin TDs have tabled a motion of no confidence in An Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called on all those in the Dáil opposed to Brian Cowen’s leadership to vote no confidence in him. He said: “This Dáil should have been dissolved by the Taoiseach last night. Brian Cowen

New Open Europe briefing: What will the Irish bailout actually solve? Open Europe has published a new briefing, looking at the different bailout options for Ireland. It argues that a one-off bail-out or stricter budget rules will do very little to solve the eurozone’s problems – although it can serve to buy valuable time for Ireland, which is in better shape than Greece and Portugal.

Ireland will have to wait until the new year for a general election after Taoiseach Brian Cowen tonight refused calls to stand down.

Here is the statement in full by Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Fianna Fail members of the Government.

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen tonight refused to bow to public and political pressure for an immediate general election saying serving the country's interests came above party politics.

Economic issues are expected to top the agenda as the Taoiseach meets the first and deputy first ministers in Dublin.

ON HIS first full day as Prime Minister Mr Cameron had telephone conversations with Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama, Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Italian prime mini