Ireland’s Cowen Stays as Leader; Challenger Martin Resigns
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Ireland’s Prime Minister Brian Cowen won backing for his leadership from his Fianna Fail party, prompting the resignation of his main challenger, Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.
Cowen, 51, won a secret ballot of 71 lawmakers, spokesman John Curran told reporters in Dublin. While Martin, 50, opposed him, Cowen won the backing of Finance Minister Brian Lenihan today, helping swing the vote in his favor. The ballots have been shredded and detail of the vote won’t be released.