Cowen: I was not drunk

BRIAN COWEN’S denial he gave a radio interview while drunk provoked worldwide attention last night and raised questions over his leadership.

A gruff, partially-slurred performance on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland drew international headlines and sparked withering opposition scorn.

Asked about whether he was drunk on the programme, Mr Cowen said: “I’m sorry, absolutely not. That’s ridiculous. It’s not true at all. Really, that’s uncalled for.”