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Everyone’s talking about…
Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen is appearing before the banking inquiry today.
Cowen’s questioning will be split into two sessions, the first one kicked off shortly after 9.30am and the other will take place at 2.30pm.
Today’s meeting has focussed on his time as Finance Minister from 2004-2008. Cowen will appear again next week to discuss his tenure as leader of the country, the bank guarantee and the bailout.
So far, Cowen has been fairly combative – but did apologise for his role in the crisis.
We’re liveblogging the meeting here.
Cowen was a TD for Laois-Offaly from June 1984 until February 2011. He held several senior positions in government and served as Minister for Finance from September 2004 until May 2008, when he succeeded Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach.
Committee chair Ciarán Lynch said members will ask Cowen about advice sought during the crisis, accountability of the regulatory and supervisory institutions of the state, and “the nature and appropriateness of the relationship” between the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator, the Department of Finance and banking institutions.
Yesterday, the committee was suspended for about 15 minutes after former Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy refused to answer questions Pearse Doherty asked him about property bubbles.
McCreevy said the line of questioning didn’t technically relate to this tenure in office. After the committee sought legal advice, McCreevy was warned that he could be subject to criminal sanctions if he failed to cooperate.
That seemed to do the trick, and the rest of the proceedings went ahead as planned.
The agenda
Inside Leinster House
The banking inquiry didn’t get much new information from Charlie McCreevy yesterday. Although it did learn he has hasn’t lost any of his confidence – or ability to answer a question like a politician.
What the others are saying
In case you missed it
On the Twitter machine
Anti-bailout group Ballyhea Says No continued its efforts at the European Parliament.
Originally published: 9am
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