Cowen Survives Challenge to Remain as Irish Leader
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Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen’s party backed his leadership, prompting the resignation of his main challenger, Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.
Cowen, 51, won a secret ballot of 71 Fianna Fail lawmakers, spokesman John Curran told reporters in Dublin late yesterday. While Martin, 50, opposed him, Cowen won the backing of Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, helping swing the vote in his favor. The ballots were shredded and details of the vote won’t be released.