'PROPERTY TAX IS NOT A DONE DEAL' Pressure grows on Taoiseach to drop levy plan.

Byline: PAT FLANAGAN 

A NEW property tax is not a "done deal" the Taoiseach claimed yesterday as he came under pressure from his own TDs to drop plans for a levy on homes.

Brian Cowen also admitted his style of leadership deserves criticism and promised to "get out more".

He also insisted he has the support of his party despite Fianna Fail having the lowest popularity rating in its history.

Despite the country's massive budget deficit Mr Cowen said that a property tax may not be on the cards. He said: "I'm not wedded to property tax. But I don't want it to be suggested that we are not prepared to take the decisions that need to be made if that is what is deemed necessary."

"We have very low taxes on property in this country, if any."

And he played down reports that he had been hitting the bottle after photographs appeared to show him in a dishevelled state. Mr Cowen said: "That's not an issue at all, to be honest. I relax now and again with friends. I try and do the normal things that normal people do. It''s overstated, this drinking thing."

The Taoiseach added the next few months will be crucial for the country and some very difficult decisions will have to be made.

He told a Sunday newspaper: "There are a lot of difficult political decisions coming.

"The party knows there is a job of work to be done by government. People are going to have their say in terms of what the position should be.

But at the end of the day, we have to close the gap between what taxes are coming in and what is being spent. If we don't do that we put the whole future at risk."

Mr Cowen said he took on board criticism of his leadership style and his approach to the setting up of Nama.

He added: "I take the criticism. We have to get out there more, me included. I have to better communicate with the people. I will do that."

Earlier this year it was reported the Taoiseach was finding it difficult to sleep but he now claims he has no problem dropping off.

He said: "Absolutely, that's resolved itself. I'm fine, I'm fine. I'm in good form. I'm in good shape, obviously I could be in better shape.

"But I'm in good form, I'm in good health."