Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen has said he will not contest the upcoming general election.

爱尔兰总理布莱恩·柯温宣称将不会参加即将到来的大选。

Earlier this month, Mr Cowen stepped down as Fianna Fail leader but said he would continue running the government.

Last week, former foreign minister Micheal Martin was elected as the new leader of the party.

On Monday evening, Mr Cowen said that Mr Martin had not asked him to stand down. He will remain in office during the election campaign.

Mr Cowen is expected to dissolve（解散，溶解） parliament on Tuesday.

A date for the election is then due to be announced - likely to be in February.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Cowen said: "I said previously¹ that I was going to reflect on my own position and whether I would offer myself for re-election.

"I have done that. I am humbled² by and grateful for the many messages of support I have received.

"The genuine decency³（正派，体面） and warmth of people in this country is one of our finest traits and long may that be so.

"Having considered the situation with my family, close colleagues and friends over the past number of days, I have decided⁴ not to put my name forward for selection as a candidate in the Laois-Offaly constituency for the forthcoming election."

He said Fianna Fail faced new challenges.

"We will do so with a new leader, and a new team. I am proud and grateful to have served with each and every one of my party colleagues.

"I pledge them my full support and wish them well," he said.

Mr Cowen was first elected to the Dail (Irish parliament) in the Laois-Offaly by-election of 1984, caused by the death of his father.

Tuesday will be his last day as a member of the Dail.