Dramatic events are unfolding in the
Middle East. Today (Tuesday) Egypt was rocked by a wave of nationwide
demonstrations demanding the end of the Mubarak regime, which has
oppressed the people of this proud nation for nearly 30 years. This was
the biggest protest movement Egypt has seen for decades. In Cairo and
other cities thousands of anti-government protesters demonstrated on the
streets and fought with police.

The news has just broken that Brian Cowen has resigned as Fianna Fáil
leader, but insists that he intends to fight the General Election as
Taoiseach. FF is split from top to bottom and those among the leadership
who aren’t intending to resign with a fat pension in a few weeks time
are maneouvering for position.

Amid scenes of confusion embattled
Taoiseach Brian Cowen finally has finally hauled up the white flag and
announced the General Election date for March 11^th. His intention to get the finance bill passed through the Dáil was in serious trouble this morning after his attempt to organise
a cabinet reshuffle threatened to be the final straw for the Green
Party who despite supporting the government through thick and thin over
the past period have suddenly developed a survival instinct.