Cowen faces legal action over property

BRIAN COWEN was threatened with a highly embarrassing British legal action last night over claims a property consortium he is part of owes e110,000 in rents and fees.

Mr Cowen is among a group of 38 Irish speculators who invested in the leasehold of a hall of residence- style block in Leeds, Yorkshire, in 2005, valued at some e14m.

The freeholder, the Addestone Group, claims the apartments have since been sub-let to Leeds University without its consent, raising concerns about insurance.