Cowen expresses admiration for Brown

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen expressed his admiration for Gordon Brown and praised his contribution to the peace process in the North.

However, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, while similarly praising Mr Brown’s work in the North, struck a somewhat discordant note by criticising some of the outgoing prime minister’s failures.

Mr Cowen said he had enjoyed a very good working relationship with Mr Brown, and wished him well. “I think he has been a good man to deal with from an Irish Government point of view in terms of Northern Ireland.