Lenihan’s call to patriotism was the last refuge of scoundrels and liars

Taoiseach Brian Cowen told a press conference on Thursday: “I don’t believe there is reason for people to feel ashamed or humiliated at all.” He was referring to the current financial crisis.

Above all, Brian Cowen should be thoroughly ashamed. He was the Minister for Finance while the Celtic Tiger was being mounted and stuffed.

For years we have been fed on a diet of the glorious struggle for independence and Fianna Fáil has been talking about celebrating the forthcoming centenary of the Easter Rising.