Lots of threats and bluster but no apologies

THERE is no alternative: It’s FF or the IMF. Deal with it.

That was the stark bunker mentality message resonating out of Brian Cowen’s first Ard Fheis as Taoiseach as he grappled with the twin calamities of an economic crisis coupled with a national crisis of confidence in his leadership.

It was Fianna Fáil against the world as they projected themselves as the only party tough enough to take hard decisions and avoid national humiliation.