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# brian-cowen - Tuesday 17 April, 2012

From The Daily Edge Party Politics This post contains videos

8 politicians kicking up their heels

17/04/12 3,811 Views 9 Comments

Hillary Clinton isn’t the only politician who has practised the ‘work hard, play hard’ motto…

# brian-cowen - Sunday 15 April, 2012

Bank Guarantee

Public demand for full investigation into banking crisis to be answered

15/04/12 3,605 Views 39 Comments

The probe could see former government ministers, civil servants and banking executives account for their actions ahead of the September 2008 bank guarantee

# brian-cowen - Friday 13 April, 2012

Au Naturel

Bertie spent €441 a week on make-up. Enda has spent… €0 Exclusive

13/04/12 11,792 Views 79 Comments

Figures obtained by TheJournal.ie show that Enda Kenny hasn’t spent any public cash on make-up – and nor did Brian Cowen.

# brian-cowen - Tuesday 27 March, 2012

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Tuesday

27/03/12 5,159 Views 11 Comments

Nine things to know this morning…

Debt Crisis

Cowen compares banking crisis to ‘multiple plane crashes occurring at once’

27/03/12 3,787 Views 41 Comments

In a speech in Washington, the former taoiseach also attacks conventional political thinking in advance of the crisis.

# brian-cowen - Sunday 4 March, 2012

Opinion

Column: Fianna Fáil renewed? No, the optics tell a different story

04/03/12 9,897 Views 140 Comments

The party of Cowen and Coughlan may have apologised – but they don’t seem to have got the point, writes Philip O’Connor.

# brian-cowen - Friday 2 March, 2012

Fianna Fáil

Martin promises “swift and comprehensive” action on Mahon findings

02/03/12 3,067 Views 57 Comments

Micheál Martin addresses the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin this evening on plans for party reform.

# brian-cowen - Friday 24 February, 2012

One Year On

Barry Cowen: I want to be seen as more than just Brian’s brother

24/02/12 3,290 Views 31 Comments

The Laois-Offaly TD, one of only three new Fianna Fáil TDs to be elected in last year’s general election, said he would never have ran for the Dáil if Brian Cowen hadn’t stepped down.

# brian-cowen - Tuesday 21 February, 2012

Politics

Mary O’Rourke: Current Dáil TDs are ‘not very bright or intelligent’

21/02/12 6,486 Views 71 Comments

The former Fianna Fáil TD said that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has ‘nothing in the top storey’ – but people like him because he smiles all the time.

# brian-cowen - Monday 2 January, 2012

Hard Times

Former taoisigh lose mobile phone and secretarial expenses

02/01/12 6,047 Views 78 Comments

From yesterday, former taoisigh are no longer entitled to claim expenses for secretarial work and mobile phones from the state.

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Bank Holiday Monday

02/01/12 7,388 Views 19 Comments

Nine things to know by 9am: Mullingar assault victim dies, warnings of black ice on roads, how former taoisigh feel the pinch… and a hint for finding a lost wedding ring…

# brian-cowen - Saturday 31 December, 2011

Review 2011 This post contains images

In pictures: TheJournal.ie’s winners and losers of 2011

31/12/11 4,185 Views 3 Comments

Who came out on top, and who was bringing up the rear? Here are our picks for the winners and losers of the year.

# brian-cowen - Tuesday 27 December, 2011

Bye Bye

2011: The year of resignations

27/12/11 1,661 Views 2 Comments

Undone by sex scandals, economic failures, uprisings and other controversies, an astonishing number of high-profile figures resigned from their various posts in the past 12 months.

# brian-cowen - Sunday 11 December, 2011

From The Daily Edge VIPS This post contains images

The most important people of the last 14 years* (slideshow)

11/12/11 5,405 Views 9 Comments

*According to the new edition of the Chambers Biographical Dictionary, these include Brian Cowen, the founders of Twitter and Cheryl Cole.

# brian-cowen - Wednesday 30 November, 2011

Pensions

In full: what former ministers get after the government’s new levy

30/11/11 2,474 Views 41 Comments

We’ve gone through the list of ministerial pensions to see precisely how each living former minister is hit by the various levies.

Pensions

Higher pension levy hits Ahern and Cowen – by €80 a week

30/11/11 2,256 Views 45 Comments

High earners will still keep the vast majority of their huge pensions, as Brendan Howlin admits there is little the government can do.

# brian-cowen - Monday 28 November, 2011

From Business ETC Bailout

Discussions for potential bailout happened months before announcement

28/11/11 3,112 Views 33 Comments

IMF’s Ajai Chopra tells Prime Time special programme tonight that discussions started in summer 2010.

# brian-cowen - Sunday 27 November, 2011

From Business ETC Drumm

Drumm defends role in Anglo collapse, says: ‘Everyone was on the same team’

27/11/11 4,645 Views 61 Comments

The former chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank says he will not be returning from the US because of the “witch hunt” against him in Ireland.

# brian-cowen - Monday 21 November, 2011

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Monday

21/11/11 5,877 Views 14 Comments

Nine things to know by 9am: Reports that dole could be cut, Mayo Garda station in firebomb attack, Robbie helps Galaxy to MLS glory, and the anniversary we’d rather forget

One Year On

The bailout in quotes: from denial to deal

21/11/11 2,024 Views 20 Comments

A year after the government announced it was negotiating a bailout deal, TheJournal.ie takes a look back over the comments and quotes of the bailout.

One Year On This post contains images

In pictures: The bailout, as it happened

21/11/11 1,799 Views 5 Comments

On 21 November 2010 it was confirmed that Ireland was to seek international help in dealing with the economic crisis

# brian-cowen - Saturday 19 November, 2011

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Saturday

19/11/11 5,363 Views 8 Comments

Nine things to know this morning…

# brian-cowen - Monday 14 November, 2011

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Monday

14/11/11 3,242 Views 14 Comments

Nine things to know this morning…

Fianna Fáil This post contains videos

Fianna Fáil was doomed by its own political model – documentary

14/11/11 776 Views 20 Comments

Plus, party members say Brian Cowen’s 2011 cabinet reshuffle attempt was the catalyst for his demise.

# brian-cowen - Monday 7 November, 2011

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Monday

07/11/11 3,112 Views 15 Comments

Nine things to know this morning…

Brian Cowen This post contains videos

Cowen’s ministers felt pressured to approve bank guarantee – documentary

07/11/11 1,412 Views 37 Comments

Cabinet ministers at the time of the far-reaching 2008 bank guarantee say they were given little time – and no alternatives – when considering the move.

# brian-cowen - Sunday 6 November, 2011

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Sunday

06/11/11 4,498 Views 26 Comments

Nine things to know this morning…

# brian-cowen - Friday 4 November, 2011

Bertie N Brian This post contains images

In pictures: What are Bertie and Brian doing in the Áras?

04/11/11 1,568 Views 54 Comments

The boys/former taoisigh are back in town for a ‘thank you’ reception by President McAleese for her Council of State.

# brian-cowen - Wednesday 5 October, 2011

Taoisigh

Ahern claimed €377k in expenses since leaving office

05/10/11 2,084 Views 75 Comments

Details provided to Wicklow TD Anne Ferris show that the ‘Teflon Taoiseach’ has claimed over €10,000 in phone expenses alone.

# brian-cowen - Wednesday 7 September, 2011

Fianna Fáil

Brian Cowen ‘influenced by bar-room buddies’

07/09/11 1,433 Views 24 Comments

TV3 documentary series hears of Cowen clique while Sean Haughey says Bertie had potential to be back-stabber.

Bank Guarantee

Bank guarantee was ‘panic rather than a plan’, says former UK chancellor

07/09/11 522 Views 11 Comments

Alistair Darling has given his own insight into the decisions taken by Brian Lenihan at the time of the bank guarantee.

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Wednesday

07/09/11 2,321 Views 15 Comments

Nine things you should know this morning…

# brian-cowen - Monday 22 August, 2011

Take 5

Take 5: Monday

22/08/11 1,685 Views 2 Comments

5 minutes, 5 stories, 5 o’clock…

Criticism

‘Intoxicated joyriders’ Ahern, McCreevy and Cowen slammed by academic

22/08/11 1,048 Views 48 Comments

The founding president of the University of Limerick has some harsh criticism for the former Taoisigh and finance minister.

# brian-cowen - Monday 4 July, 2011

Opinion

Column: Emigrants give plenty back to Ireland, so why can’t we vote?

04/07/11 1,414 Views 38 Comments

Politicians laugh off the fact that people are being forced to leave. They wouldn’t if they faced the consequences at the polls, writes Noreen Bowden.

# brian-cowen - Friday 17 June, 2011

From Business ETC Mistake

Top EU commissioner says Ireland’s bank guarantee was a mistake

17/06/11 752 Views 9 Comments

Asked if it was a mistake, Joaquín Almunia replied “Yes, indeed.”

# brian-cowen - Friday 10 June, 2011

RIP

Former Taoisigh pay tribute to Brian Lenihan

10/06/11 1,243 Views 25 Comments

Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern paid tribute to their former party colleague who served as a minister in their governments.

# brian-cowen - Saturday 4 June, 2011

Healy-Rae

Michael Healy-Rae’s refusal to resign from state board leads to government ban

04/06/11 1,134 Views 35 Comments

The ban on members of the Oireachtas being on the board of a state quango will not apply retrospectively so the Kerry South TD will remain on the Citizens Information Board.

# brian-cowen - Wednesday 1 June, 2011

Wikileaks

How the US saw the Fianna Fáil leadership: Wikileaks cables

01/06/11 1,031 Views 18 Comments

Which member of the last Fianna Fáil government did the US ambassador to Ireland describe as “bright and capable” – and whose “frugal lifestyle was apparent to all”?

9 At 9

The 9 at 9: Wednesday

01/06/11 3,228 Views 9 Comments

Nine things you need to know by 9am: Aer Lingus heads to LRC to avert flight cancellations; what US diplomats really thought of Ireland’s politicians and the girl stoned to the death because of a beauty contest.

1 2 3 4 5

referendum

fiscal compact

NTMA: No access to ESM would mean no access to markets either

Patricia McKenna and Thomas Pringle are both seeking a referendum on the ESM treaty.
Referendum
Large majority of voters in favour of referendum on ESM treaty
Opinion
Vote No: The Treaty will bring the EU together – in economic stagnation
The credit union: an Irish institution
Opinion
Vote Yes: EU funds are like our credit union. Let’s not go to the loan sharks.
your questions
What do YOU want to know about the referendum?

Your say

View more polls
Poll: Are you satisfied with your quality of life?

Poll: Are you satisfied with your quality of life?

A NEW REPORT from the OECD has suggested people living in Ireland have some of the best lives in the world, with Ireland among the top countries in its Better Life Index.

The index finds that life expectancy, low pollution, positive experiences and a healthy work-life balance are among the factors that contribute to happy lives in Ireland.

It did note, however, that the gap between the rich and poor is wider in Ireland than elsewhere, while the gender gap in educational performance is also larger than average.

Today we’re simply wondering whether (assuming you live in Ireland) you’re satisfied with your quality of life.


Poll Results:





Read: How good is life in Ireland?


19
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Read Me

Selected opinions from around the web
David Hall
Column: The mortgage crisis is stoked by mistrust. Here’s how we might fix it.
By David Hall - @davidhall75

Aggressive banks are making mortgage resolution impossible, writes David Hall of New Beginning – and suggests a way to restore trust between lenders and borrowers.

Jim Clarken
Column: ‘Women are digging up anthills for the tiny grains inside’
By Jim Clarken

Children mine for gold in home-made pits, while parents risk their lives for food – Jim Clarken describes the harrowing scenes as a crisis unfolds in west Africa.

Michael Taft
Vote No: The Treaty will bring the EU together – in economic stagnation
By Michael Taft - @notesonthefront

Confidence and stability will be the last things to emerge from this dangerous experiment, writes Michael Taft.

Naoise Nunn
Vote Yes: EU funds are like our credit union. Let’s not go to the loan sharks.
By Naoise Nunn - @naoisen

A Yes to the Stability Treaty will give Ireland access to the ESM, writes Naoise Nunn – and keep us out of a potentially lethal game of chicken.

Seamus Breslin
Column: Parents bringing their children to be kneecapped. Yes, this is Ireland.
By Seamus Breslin

Self-styled republican vigilantes are terrorising a city, writes Seamus Breslin – and perceived neglect by authorities is fuelling the fire.

Mike Morris
Column: Another Priory Hall is coming down the tracks. Here’s why.
By Mike Morris - @nyderoleary

Phil Hogan is planning to introduce new regulations which are meant to make for better buildings. He’s making a major mistake, writes Mike Morris.

Jane Suiter
Column: Who are the winners and losers in the referendum campaign right now?
By Jane Suiter - @JaneSuit

With nine days to go before referendum day, Dr Jane Suiter of UCC analyses the parties and the latest polls to see how the campaign is playing out.

Micheál Martin
Column: Job creation is too important for party politics. Let’s work together.
By Micheál Martin

Writing for TheJournal.ie, Micheál Martin explains why Fianna Fáil’s new plan to tackle youth unemployment should be seriously considered.

Lisa McInerney
Column: National pride or bald-faced bigotry? Maybe neither, or both.
By Lisa McInerney - @SwearyLady

Being proud to be Irish is sometime looked on as a social gaffe, writes Lisa McInerney, but that’s not always fair… and it’s not always the best way to figure out who really is racist…

Lynn McDonald Byrne
Column: Some talk about the ‘magic’ of childbirth. To me, it was horrific.
By Lynn McDonald Byrne

For new mothers, the pressure can be so overwhelming it makes you ill. Lynn McDonald Byrne describes her experience of postnatal depression.

From BusinessEtc

HP Ireland: job losses will impact ‘every business and region’ HP Ireland

HP Ireland: job losses will impact ‘every business and region’

Shareholders file lawsuit over Facebook flotation
Facebook
Shareholders file lawsuit over Facebook flotation
Applause in auction room as woman buys back brother’s repossessed home
Irish auction
Applause in auction room as woman buys back brother’s repossessed home

From The Daily Edge

Weatherwatch: temperatures over 20°C, sunshine staying for the weekend Weather

Weatherwatch: temperatures over 20°C, sunshine staying for the weekend

VIDEO: Is this what you imagined when you read The Great Gatsby?
Work Can Wait
VIDEO: Is this what you imagined when you read The Great Gatsby?
Caption competition: What are Enda Kenny and David Cameron talking about?
Buds
Caption competition: What are Enda Kenny and David Cameron talking about?
Download the TheJournal.ie Android App

From The Score

I’ll play it cool at the Euros, Mario Balotelli warns Ireland Euro 2012

I’ll play it cool at the Euros, Mario Balotelli warns Ireland

Rushe: Dubs don’t have discipline problem
Capital Account
Rushe: Dubs don’t have discipline problem
Luke Donald craves maiden Major title
Golf
Luke Donald craves maiden Major title

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News in Photos

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News in Video

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