Foreign Minister Martin now in pole position to replace the newly 'forceful' Brian Cowen
FIANNA Fail TDs have united behind a re-energised Brian Cowen and "hadn't a bad word" to say about the Taoiseach at a private party meeting.
Even rebels who openly opposed his leadership now accept that he will lead the party into a General Election.
A week of robust performances has pulled Mr Cowen back from the brink and demoted leadership hopeful Brian Lenihan into third place behind Micheal Martin.
"He was really forceful again at the parliamentary party meeting. It was amazing to see it again. Everybody was saying that he really captured the public mood," said one backbencher who had previously spoken against Cowen.
However, some TDs remain concerned.
"It's still a long way to an election so we'll have to see if he can keep it up. If he can, there is a chance that we could come out with a respectable result."
kdoyle@herald.ie
- Kevin Doyle
