Ahern says Cowen did not do enough to prevent bailout

FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has launched an astonishing attack on his successor, suggesting Brian Cowen did not do enough to prevent the EU-IMF bailout.

Mr Ahern also accuses Mr Cowen of failing to communicate with the public, and suggests fundamental mistakes have been made.

The attack will be seen as an attempt by Mr Ahern to shore up his own battered legacy and shift the blame for the recession and its aftermath onto Mr Cowen.