Cowen spoke to Gormley three times before decision

LEADERS' TALKS:FIANNA FÁIL and the Greens last night insisted that Taoiseach Brian Cowen was not sounding out the position of John Gormley on Mr O'Donoghue's situation with a view to mounting a defence to the Opposition.

During the course of the first of three conversations on Tuesday, two in person and one on the telephone, Mr Cowen told Mr Gormley that Mr O'Donoghue wanted to know were there any circumstances in which the Greens could support him in a contested vote in the House.

Mr Gormley made it clear in the first conversation, according to a spokesman, that he could not support him in that situation. In the second and third conversations, he reiterated that position.

The first contact between the Taoiseach and Mr Gormley occurred just after 7pm as the Taoiseach returned from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party office.

The second was at 9pm when Mr Gormley visited the Taoiseach's office in Government buildings.

The final contact between the two men occurred just before 10pm, when Mr Cowen telephoned Mr Gormley.

In the first conversation, the Taoiseach asked Mr Gormley were there any circumstances in which he could support the Ceann Comhairle. Mr Gormley replied that there were not.

According to sources in both coalition parties, there was an understanding that Mr O'Donoghue could not survive and that the theme of the conversations was about dignity and honour and allowing him space to leave.

As talks between the whips failed to reach resolution over the timing and manner of the resignation, the issue arose between Mr Cowen and Mr Gormley about a possible Dáil procedural motion that would have had the effect of delaying the Labour Party motion of no confidence.

In the absence of agreement from other parties on the timing of Mr O'Donoghue's departure, this would have allowed him some space before resigning.

However, Mr Gormley said he could not contemplate a situation where he supported Mr O'Donoghue in a contest vote, albeit a procedural one.

This was on the basis as it might be perceived as a vote of confidence.

Both parties insisted that at no stage did Mr Cowen suggest opposing moves that would result in the Ceann Comhairle departing from office.