Last week The Irish Observer brought exclusive inside news that Brian Cowen TD would not contest the General Election, this has been confirmed this evening.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has announced he will not contest the general election.
Speaking tonight, Mr Cowen said he had come to the decision following talks with his family and newly elected Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin.
Mr Cowen said it was time to give the new party leader and frontbench team he appointed earlier today "a break".
He said Mr Martin had not asked him to stand down.
"Everyone in the Fianna Fáil party wanted to see me stand again," he told Midlands Radio 103.
Mr Cowen said he would remain strongly supportive of Mr Martin and the party.
He believed the party's new leader could lead Fianna Fáil into a very good election effort.
