Cowen: I stopped economy overheating

FRAUGHT exchanges on the policies which fuelled the property boom, followed by a rearguard action by the Government, dominated yesterday’s Dáil debate on its handling of the economy.

The most fractious issue was the claim by Taoiseach Brian Cowen that while he was finance minister, he helped keep the economy from overheating. This was vigorously opposed by the leaders of the other parties.

Mr Cowen opened the debate on the International Monetary Fund’s report on Ireland with the claim he fought off pro-construction lobbying and calls to abolish stamp duty.