Cowen gets royal nod as the next Taoiseach
LEADER IN WAITING: Brian Cowen knew in advance of Bertie's decision
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Mr Cowen was one of the few to know in advance of Mr Ahern’s decision to step down.
Analysts also saw Mr Cowen’s appointment last month of Joe Lennon as his special advisor as a signal that the Finance Minister had been given the royal nod.
Lennon knows the Taoiseach’s Office inside out and served as Mr Ahern’s Government Press Secretary for two governments.
Mr Ahern is thought to have advised Mr Cowen to seek out Joe Lennon’s services as a prerequisite to taking over.
“Bertie would have told Brian that someone like Joe would be a great help when he takes over,” said one Minister.
It now remains to be seen whether any other Minister is brave enough to take on Mr Cowen, Bertie’s anointed successor.
The real battle is likely to be for deputy FF leader.
Those in contention include Justice Minister Brian Lenihan, Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern, Enterprise Minister Michael Martin and possibly Education Minister Mary Hanafin.
Brian Cowen has consistently offered support for Mr Ahern in the face of fierce Opposition criticism and has been widely credited with “steadying the ship” over recent stormy times.
When asked directly if he believed the Taoiseach’s evidence, he said: “If the man said it, I’m sure it’s true.”
Fine Gael had said that Brian Cowen must be the “only person left in the country who believes Bertie Ahern.
In response, he accused Fine Gael of conducting a “witch hunt” against the Taoiseach.
He consistently said that it was not up to Fine Gael to make a judgement until all the evidence at the tribunal was completed.
However, following today’s political bombshell, he is now set to position himself to take over the top job.
He has enjoyed a varied career in politics. The former solicitor was first elected to the Dail in June 1984, caused by the death of his father Bernard Cowen.
SUCCESS
He has held a number of top cabinet jobs, including a stint as Minister for Finance, Foreign Affairs, Heath and Transport.
When Bertie Ahern disappointed Brian Cowen's expectations of being appointed EU Commissioner in 1999, many believe a deal like Tony Blair's rumoured succession pact with Gordon Brown was brokered.
His popularity among the parliamentary party makes the Tullamore man almost a shooin as Bertie Ahern's successor.
Mr Cowen recently acknowledged the importance of pursuing those who default on their tax obligations after his own brother was named in the latest list of tax defaulters.
Publican Christopher Cowen of River Street, Clara, Co Offaly, made a settlement with Revenue for €96,351 in taxes and penalties.
