Brian Cowen is facing mounting scrutiny over his meeting with Mr Fitzpatrick Speculation is increasing that Brian Cowen’s position as leader of Ireland’s ruling Fianna Fail party is threatened.
The Irish PM is being scrutinised over a meeting with the head of Anglo Irish Bank Sean Fitzpatrick shortly before a multi-million euro bank guarantee.
Anglo subsequently collapsed under bad debts and Mr Fitzpatrick has been questioned by police about his role.
Irish broadcaster RTE reported that one senior Fianna Fail source said a vote of confidence was possible on Thursday.
It is understood that if faced with such a motion, there is a possibility that Mr Cowen could resign the leadership before a vote.
The prime minister gave the Irish parliament his account of his dealings with Mr Fitzpatrick on Wednesday.
Mr Fitzpatrick has previously been arrested by police investigating the downfall of the bank and is still the subject of official scrutiny.
Denial
A book recently revealed that Mr Cowen met Mr Fitzptrick for dinner at a golf course in 2008.
However, the Taoiseach (prime minister) has denied that he discussed bank matters and insisted that he had not done political favours for any financial institution.
Mr Cowen, who took power in 2008, has faced severe criticism over his government’s handling of the banking crisis and the subsquent recession.
BBC Northern Ireland’s Dublin Correspondent Shane Harison looks at the political career of Fianna Fail’s Brian Cowen.
Last month, there were rumours of an internal push against him but his critics pulled back at the last moment.
He has been under pressure since Ireland was forced last year to seek an international financial bail-out.
His coalition government has only a slim minority in parliament and a general election is expected in the spring.
‘Vigorous debate’
Irish finance minister Brian Lenihan, who is visiting Belfast on Thursday, said he was not fully briefed on what was happening in Dublin.
“Naturally I have confidence in him but there is vigorous debate within the party, deputies are worried about the very existence of the party,” Mr Lenihan said.
BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson said a successful motion of no confidence would not necessarily lead to the removal of Mr Cowen as prime minister.
“A snap election is possible, but not inevitable.
“A general election is due to be held in March and it is possible that Mr Cowen could stay in office while his party selects a new leader in advance of the election.”
Our correspondent explained that the government would be reluctant to call an immediate general election as a finance bill, implementing measures in last month’s budget, is not due to come into law until next month.
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