Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen has claimed Ireland bounced back from its devastating financial collapse quicker because of his spending spree; More than 400 jobseekers were interviewed for just 60 positions at the country’s newest McDonald’s restaurant; Ireland is poised to become an €8 billion ‘green energy’ hub.  Just some of the latest and most read stories on irishexaminer.com

More than 80% of the public want wider access to abortion to be made available in Ireland; Brian Cowen said he never breached the public’s trust when he was taoiseach; More than 400 jobseekers were interviewed for just 60 positions at the country’s newest McDonald’s restaurant. Here’s this morning’s irishexaminer.com catch-up.

A retired former Chelsea footballer has won £5.5 million (€7.6m) on the Lotto.