Brian Cowen
Brian Cowen is a former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, having served from 2008 to 2011. A member of the Fianna Fáil party, Cowen's tenure was marked by significant economic challenges, including the global financial crisis. He is known for his leadership during a tumultuous period in Irish politics and has remained a prominent figure in public life since his departure from office.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Brian Cowen's political career was initiated through a byelection.
Expect to hear the phrase ‘Governments don’t win byelections’ a lot in the months ahead – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-03-04
Brian Cowen apologized on the publication of the Ryan Report.
words are not enough – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-28
Brian Cowen made a 2009 apology on the publication of the Ryan Report.
State apologies may come easier with time, but practicalities of following them up may get harder – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-25
Under the Brian Cowen government, many welfare payments and grants were curtailed or cut.
Here’s what the rapid U-turn on special needs assistants tells us about this Government – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-21
Brian Cowen is a former taoiseach who was praised by Micheál Martin for his service to his constituents and party.
Gerry Hutch acts as script consultant for show about ‘alleged crimes’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-15
Brian Cowen was the taoiseach interviewed during a difficult time for Fianna Fáil.
Who are the 19 special advisers to Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, and what do they do? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-26
He was a strong supporter of Brian Cowen.
Former Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley dies aged 61 – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-23
Brian Cowen is one of the six taoisigh whose terms spanned the tribunal's lifespan.
Moriarty tribunal enters 30th year, racking up €78m in costs – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-15
Brian Cowen is described as abrasive and tribalistic but committed to public service.
Ireland’s taoisigh, from de Valera to Micheál Martin – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-15
Brian Cowen arrived in the company of former TD and senator Donie Cassidy.
Connolly’s inauguration was a bit like a big Irish wedding, solemn and joyous – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-12
Brian Cowen continued the work of Bertie Ahern in engaging with unionism.
Fine Gael’s anti-British rhetoric came back to bite Áras hopeful Heather Humphreys – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-30
Brian Cowen's tax on unrealised investment gains is viewed as an injustice by many.
Stephen Donnelly swoops to the rescue of UK healthcare citing his triumphs in Ireland – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-19
Brian Cowen was the taoiseach during a chaotic day recalled by David McCullagh.
‘There’s plenty of people in the long grass hoping I’ll fall flat on my face’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-19
Brian Cowen, then taoiseach, admitted he had not read the Lisbon Treaty cover to cover.
If Catherine Connolly is an enemy of the EU, then Michael D Higgins is too – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-17
Brian Cowen's leadership is referenced as a comparison to the current situation faced by Micheál Martin.
Jim O’Callaghan will bide his time, but the great game is on – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-11
Brian Cowen is mentioned as one of the former heads of the Department of Finance.
This is what caution looks like. But will it wash with voters? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-08
Brian Cowen was mentioned as a former Taoiseach who attended the event.
Barack Obama spread hope of ‘brighter days ahead’ as he became a freeman of Dublin – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-25
Brian Cowen's tenure as taoiseach was marked by calamitous events and mismanagement during the late Celtic Tiger years.
a new look at the handling and political cost of the Celtic Tiger collapse – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-24Apart from 10 days in January 2011 after he resigned from Brian Cowen’s cabinet and before he became leader of Fianna Fáil.
Micheál Martin and Paschal Donohoe are responsible for this Government’s lethargy – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-20Brian Cowen’s government guaranteed the banks in September 2008.
How AIB, once worth less than its art collection, came back from the brink – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-20
Brian Cowen was the taoiseach who was a friend of Fintan Drury and one of the early readers of 'Catastrophe'.
Fintan Drury on Anglo, Paddy Power and Gaza – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-14
Brian Cowen was elected taoiseach on May 7th, 2008, and was praised by party leaders during his speech.
After years of economic calm, Ireland could be facing a storm. Are we better prepared this time? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-08
Brian Cowen was the Irish Prime Minister who fought for the Lisbon Treaty.
Diese Staaten haben Jahre später ein Referendum gekippt
Luxembourg· 2025-06-07
The governments led by Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen are compared to the current administration.
Is this Government repeating the mistakes of 2008? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-11
She was deputy leader of the party for a period of five weeks at the start of 2011, appointed by Mr Martin after he succeeded Brian Cowen as leader.
Mary Hanafin ‘open to conversation’ with Fianna Fáil on presidential run – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-21
Brian Cowen made a statement about Joan Burton in 2010.
A history of Ireland in 25 Dáil insults – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-04
Brian Cowen stayed in the house periodically, with the former staying there for 15 nights during his time as taoiseach between 2008 and 2011.
Micheál Martin has never stayed overnight in official Taoiseach residence – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-04
Brian Cowen is another recent taoiseach mentioned in the article.
Football is for forwards again, and Mayo find some x-factor – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-02-24
