BRIAN COWEN said his time as Taoiseach had been “a time of great trial and test” as he bid farewell to the Dáil.

BRIAN COWEN has left question marks as to whether he will stand in the election following his decision to step down as Fianna Fáil leader.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen returned to his native Offaly over the weekend and hit all the right notes.

Newly-elected Taoiseach Brian Cowen was tonight close to tears as he paid tribute to his family and his late father whose Dáil seat he inherited.