BRIAN COWEN’S ANNOUNCEMENT last night concerning his intention to stay on as leader of Fianna Fáil - subject to a confidence vote – and Micheál Martin’s challenge for his leadership has been met with criticism by the opposition.

Fine Gael has called for an immediate general election following Brian Cowen’s confirmation that he intends to remain in office. A party spokesperson told the Irish Times: “The competence of the Taoiseach is at question here. We find ourselves in a situation where, weeks in advance of an election, Fianna Fáil is deciding internal party matters.”

Communications Spokesperson Leo Veradkar reiterated this sentiment, saying that the need for change has never been greater.

The Labour Party has also accused Fianna Fáil on being preoccupied with itself instead of focusing on the country; Education Spokesman Ruairí Quinn said that Fianna Fáil that had a “history” of putting itself first. He added that the Fianna Fáil leadership issue would continue to be the “sole focus of attention” for Fianna Fáil Ministers and TDs at a time when “everyone’s efforts and energies should be directed towards turning the country around”.

Sinn Féin said that Cowen’s decision to remain in office was disgraceful and that the party had been stripped of its authority.

Meanwhile, the Green Party released a simple statement last night, saying: ”The Green Party has stood back to allow Fianna Fail to order its own affairs. We look forward to an early and definitive resolution.”