Ireland elects new prime minister
DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - May 7, 2008 Cowen received support Wednesday from all three parties in the
government of predecessor Bertie Ahern. He easily defeated
opposition nominees in an 88-76 vote.
Cowen is expected to reshuffle the Cabinet within hours. Posts
to be filled include Cowen's former positions of deputy prime
minister and finance minister.
Police erected barriers outside the parliamentary building to
contain more than 1,000 Cowen supporters who chanted and sang in
celebration of his victory. Many traveled by chartered bus from
Cowen's power base in the rural Irish midlands.
Cowen says he is "looking forward to it, and getting ready for
the action."
