Fianna Fáil saw further exodus of some of its most familiar faces last night as two more sitting TDs announced they will not contest the general election. This morning, Galway East TD Noel Tracy also said he will not stand in the upcoming election.  By Alison Spillane

Fianna Fáil's election strategy got off to a shambolic start yesterday as a botched attempt at a Cabinet reshuffle once again raised questions about Brian Cowen's leadership. By Alison Spillane

At 13.30 this afternoon Taoiseach Brian Cowen made a statement to the Dáil in which he announced that the resignations of Deputies Harney, Ahern (Dermot), Killeen, Dempsey, and O'Keeffe had been accepted. He also set the date for the general election which will now take place on 11 March.

Last night Minister for Health Mary Harney announced she would not contest the general election. In a surprise move, she also offered her resignation to Taoiseach Brian Cowen. By Alison Spillane

One of the longest-serving members of Dáil Eireann, Ms Harney explained she felt someone who was not running in the general election should not continue to serve in the Cabinet.

Yesterday Is Féidir Linn (IFL) published its position paper on the 2011 general election. The paper sets out the group's position on the banking crisis, the government's four-year plan, the EU-IMF-ECB bailout and Budget 2011. As well as this it outlines policy priorities for the next government.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin announced yesterday evening that he will vote against the Taoiseach in a motion of confidence to be put before a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party on Tuesday. By Alison Spillane

Late Wednesday night the rumour mill went into overdrive with the news that an apparent move to oust Brian Cowen as leader of Fianna Fáil was underway at Leinster House. This afternoon the rumours were put to rest with the announcement that Mr Cowen will not resign. By Alison Spillane

Around 11pm last night rumours of a Fianna Fáil heave against Brian Cowen began to appear on social networking site Twitter. By Alison Spillane

Today marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. To date no EU Member State has either signed or ratified the Convention. By Alison Spillane

Despite the concerted efforts of left-wing activists, community groups and movements like Claiming Our Future, Ireland's protest movement appears to be waning. While some might argue this is down to a political apathy peculiar to Ireland, many consider the media and organisations such as Ictu and the USI to be serious obstacles to widespread resistance. By Alison Spillane