Martin urges Cowen to knuckle down

BRIAN COWEN was criticised by one of his most senior ministers who said the controversy surrounding a late night drinking session and claims the Taoiseach was drunk on air was “damaging”.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, who is considered by many as the most likely successor to Mr Cowen, said the Taoiseach should “reflect on the challenges” that arise from a radio interview in which he was described as sounding “halfway between drunk and hungover”.

Following the Morning Ireland interview on Tuesday, a number of Government ministers, including Mr Martin, came out to defend their leader saying he was merely hoarse and suffering from a cold, rather than drunk on air.