Here is a timeline charting one of the most epic weeks in Irish politics – a failed leadership bid, six ministerial resignations, a botched Cabinet reshuffle and threats to pull down the coalition Government.

The crisis was initially sparked by allegations over Mr Cowen’s contacts with Anglo-Irish Bank chiefs.

Just five days after winning a confidence vote as leader, the Taoiseach announced he would go after talking to his family.

Click on video of Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s visit to Youghal in May 2009 – Vid: Shane Supple

Thursday January 13

- Mr Cowen privately lines up a Cabinet reshuffle but is sidetracked when speculation mounts over a leadership heave.

- He convenes a parliamentary party meeting and tells TDs and Senators he will consult with them privately and in person over the next 48 hours to assess if he should stay on.

Sunday January 16

- Mr Cowen defends his position, claiming he has the support of the majority of the party.

- Micheál Martin offers his resignation as minister for foreign affairs and calls on the Taoiseach to step aside.

- Mr Cowen informs Green leader John Gormley he intends to stay on as Fianna Fáil leader and mentions a possible reshuffle. Mr Gormley tells him it is a bad idea.

Monday January 17

- Ministers and TDs spend the day briefing for or against the Taoiseach, who appears to have a slim majority wanting him to stay. Most claim it is too late to change.

Tuesday January 18

- Mr Cowen survives the self-imposed vote of confidence in his leadership. Mary O’Rourke claims the secret ballot was two-to-one in favour, others suggest the victory was by just one or two votes.

Wednesday January 19

- Mr Gormley and his colleagues Eamon Ryan and Dan Boyle hold talks with the Taoiseach over the timing of an election. The Greens claim they came away thinking that a reshuffle and new Cabinet appointments are not on the table. Fianna Fáil TDs dispute that.

- Mary Harney announces her resignation at 9pm. Mr Gormley knows nothing about it until his wife Penny Stuart tells him after watching the news.

- Three other ministers follow her out of the door at 11pm – Dermot Ahern, Noel Dempsey and Tony Killeen. This time Mr Gormley hears about it on RTE’s news bulletin the following morning.

Thursday January 20

0700: Mr Gormley rings Mr Cowen after 7am and says it is a serious matter and calls for a meeting.

0830: The two sides come together in the first of a series of meetings to discuss the affair. The Greens are adamant they warned they would not support any new appointments.

0930: Batt O’Keeffe, “best friend” of the Taoiseach, becomes the fifth Cabinet casualty when his resignation is leaked.

1100: The Dáil is suspended amid damning accusations that Mr Cowen is pulling a political stunt in filling Cabinet posts with election candidates.

1330: The Taoiseach outlines in the Dáil the reassignment of ministries among sitting Cabinet members and the election date of March 11.

1645: The Greens detail their complete lack of knowledge about resignations from the Cabinet and their attempts to stop the posts being filled.

Friday January 21

- Former finance minister Ray McSharry publicly talks of his dismay with the week-long revelations.

- Junior minister Conor Lenihan likens the unprecedented events to “car crash politics” while Micheal Martin urges senior figures to reconsider their views on the leadership over the weekend.

- Less than 24 hours before he quits, Brian Cowen denies he should stand down. – He later consults with his wife Mary and makes the difficult decision to resign.

Saturday January 22

1400: The Taoiseach arrives at the Merrion Hotel to state he will remain as head of Government but move aside as the Fianna Fáil leader.