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13 January 2011
Last updated at 08:20 ET
Speculation is increasing that Brian Cowen's position as leader of Ireland's ruling Fianna Fail party is threatened.
The Irish PM is being scrutinised over a meeting with the head of Anglo Irish Bank Sean Fitzpatrick shortly before a multi-million euro bank guarantee.
Anglo subsequently collapsed under bad debts and Mr Fitzpatrick has been questioned by police about his role.
Irish broadcaster RTE reported that one senior Fianna Fail source said a vote of confidence was possible on Thursday.
It is understood that if faced with such a motion, there is a possibility that Mr Cowen could resign the leadership before a vote.
The prime minister gave the Irish parliament his account of his dealings with Mr Fitzpatrick on Wednesday.
Mr Fitzpatrick has previously been arrested by police investigating the downfall of the bank and is still the subject of official scrutiny.
Denial
A book recently revealed that Mr Cowen met Mr Fitzptrick for dinner at a golf course in 2007.
However, the Taoiseach (prime minister) has denied that he discussed bank matters and insisted that he had not done political favours for any financial institution.
Mr Cowen, who took power in 2008, has faced severe criticism over his government's handling of the banking crisis and the subsquent recession.
Last month, there were rumours of an internal push against him but his critics pulled back at the last moment.
He has been under pressure since Ireland was forced last year to seek an international financial bail-out.
His coalition government has only a slim minority in parliament and a general election is expected in the spring.
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The Irish PM is being scrutinised over a meeting with the head of Anglo Irish Bank Sean Fitzpatrick shortly before a multi-million euro bank guarantee.
Anglo subsequently collapsed under bad debts and Mr Fitzpatrick has been questioned by police about his role.
Irish broadcaster RTE reported that one senior Fianna Fail source said a vote of confidence was possible on Thursday.
It is understood that if faced with such a motion, there is a possibility that Mr Cowen could resign the leadership before a vote.
The prime minister gave the Irish parliament his account of his dealings with Mr Fitzpatrick on Wednesday.
Mr Fitzpatrick has previously been arrested by police investigating the downfall of the bank and is still the subject of official scrutiny.
Denial
A book recently revealed that Mr Cowen met Mr Fitzptrick for dinner at a golf course in 2007.
However, the Taoiseach (prime minister) has denied that he discussed bank matters and insisted that he had not done political favours for any financial institution.
Mr Cowen, who took power in 2008, has faced severe criticism over his government's handling of the banking crisis and the subsquent recession.
Last month, there were rumours of an internal push against him but his critics pulled back at the last moment.
He has been under pressure since Ireland was forced last year to seek an international financial bail-out.
His coalition government has only a slim minority in parliament and a general election is expected in the spring.
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