Cowen refuses to resign from office

The Prime Minister Brian Cowen refused to resign despite intense criticism of his management of Ireland's European- record deficit and its international bailout, but he tabled a confidence motion in his own leadership designed to restore his authority.

Micheal Martin, the Foreign Affairs minister, last night announced he will vote against the Fianna Fail leader in the secret ballot.

It remains unclear if the government will survive long enough to pass the emergency legislation required by the IMF and EU €67.5bn (£57bn) bailout.