Cowen standing down as party leader

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen has announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Fianna Fail party but will remain at the head of Government until the March general election.

After more than a week of political turmoil and a string of ministerial resignations, Mr Cowen said the election should be fought on policies not a leadership issue.

"I'm concerned that renewed internal criticism of Fianna Fail is deflecting attention from this important debate," Mr Cowen said.

"Therefore, taking everything into account after discussing the matter with my family I have taken, on my own counsel, the decision to step down."

Voters will go to the polls on March 11.

Mr Cowen said he made the dramatic decision to resign after sitting down with his family on Friday night. "I have been in touch with no senior party figures in relation to this decision," he said.