Irish PM faces betrayal by key minister

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen was plunged into political turmoil Monday when his foreign minister said he would vote against him in a snap party leadership election.

However, Cowen may find solace in the fact that Foreign Minister Micheal Martin's challenge may fizzle out, according to the government's chief whip, John Curran.

Cowen's allies were spending the day ensuring support for today's confidence ballot following days of speculation about his position.

After stinging criticism over his handling of an ongoing economic crisis, Cowen announced Sunday that he would stay on as leader of the Fianna Fail party, which governs in a coalition.

Just hours later, Martin, seen as one of Cowen's main challengers for the party leadership, said he would vote against him. As the drama unfolded, Martin tendered his resignation, only to agree to stay at Cowen's own behest.

However, the government's chief whip, John Curran, said he did not know of any minister who had thrown his weight behind Martin.

"A number have publicly already backed Brian Cowen, but I haven't heard of any other minister backing Micheal Martin at this time," he told RTE state radio Monday.

AFP