Taoiseach denies protecting 10 investors

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has dismissed as a “juvenile conspiracy theory” claims he was protecting the golden circle of 10 investors who were given e300m by Anglo to buy bank shares.

In angry scenes in the Dáil, Mr Cowen clashed repeatedly with Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny on the issue and insisted he had acted at all times in the best interests of the taxpayer.

He also insisted that none of the Cabinet had been involved in the e300m deal in any capacity, saying it was an “internal bank matter”.