Move On From 'Drunken Night': Gormely

A Dáil party leader has backed the beleaguered Taoiseach over his alleged 'drunken interview'.

Speaking for the first time since the controversy began, Green Party leader John Gormley said that Mr Cowen (pictured) had apologised his poor performance and it was now time to move on.

The Green Party winds up its pre-Dáil strategy session in Carlow today and the party's representatives have been meeting to discuss policies and priorities for the remainder of the Government's term in office.

Mr Gormely has said the premier was having an 'off day' when he gave his Morning Ireland interview on Tuesday.

However, the party faces its own challenges, particularly its insistence on pushing through stag hunting and dog breeding legislation.

That enraged the Fianna Fáil backbenches before the summer and the Greens know they suffered in rural areas as a result.

Remaining priorities include banning corporate donations and pressing ahead with the Dublin mayoral election.

Meanwhile, despite the controversy over Brian Cowen , the Taoiseach has said there would not be an election any time soon.

Yesterday, opposition parties stirred things up and said they were preparing for an early general election.

(BMcC/GK)