Fears Cowen-bashing could backfire

ATTEMPTS by former Fianna Fáil ministers to distance themselves from the decisions of Brian Cowen’s government could backfire with criticism growing of their attempts to “hang him out to dry.”

Former junior minister Martin Mansergh said those who tried to heap blame for the crisis on Mr Cowen in a two-part TV documentary, had ignored “the doctrine of collective responsibility” in cabinet.

The second part of Crisis: Inside the Cowen Government will air on RTÉ tonight.