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The medical card controversy caused particular worry in Cowen's government - several elected members of the ruling party openly condemned the move, and two resigned from the party. Due to the public outcry surrounding the budget, and the impending reality of a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty, Cowen's popularity and influence are waning. Further controversies and in-party revolts relating to the Budget, and revelations regarding excessive use of taxpayers' money by government officials and agencies have further dented Cowen's reputation, and an election is looking more likely in the near future, so much so that [[Fine Gael]] leader [[Enda Kenny]] and [[Labour]] leader [[Eamon Gilmore]] have begun preparing their parties for an election campaign, only eighteen months after the previous election.
The medical card controversy caused particular worry in Cowen's government - several elected members of the ruling party openly condemned the move, and two resigned from the party. Due to the public outcry surrounding the budget, and the impending reality of a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty, Cowen's popularity and influence are waning. Further controversies and in-party revolts relating to the Budget, and revelations regarding excessive use of taxpayers' money by government officials and agencies have further dented Cowen's reputation, and an election is looking more likely in the near future, so much so that [[Fine Gael]] leader [[Enda Kenny]] and [[Labour]] leader [[Eamon Gilmore]] have begun preparing their parties for an election campaign, only eighteen months after the previous election.
Cowen inherited his predecessor's good working relationship with US President [[George W. Bush]]. Recently Cowen invited President-elect [[Barack Obama]] to Ireland. Much has been made in the Irish media of Obama's Irish ancestry; an ancestor of his mother emigrated to America from County Offaly in the 19th century, which coincidentally is Mr. Cowen's home county.
==Cabinet (2008 - )==
==Cabinet (2008 - )==