Brian Cowen to tell inquiry that Ireland was ‘bounced’ into a bailout

Former taoiseach Brian Cowen is expected this week to back previous suggestions that Ireland was “bounced” into a bailout.

Returning before the banking inquiry, the former leader of Fianna Fáil is also expected to criticise the pressure applied on Ireland by the ECB and its then president, Jean-Claude Trichet.

Mr Cowen is scheduled for a second appearance before the inquiry on Wednesday, where the focus of questioning by TDs and senators will be on his time as taoiseach overseeing the economy, the granting of the bank guarantee, and Ireland’s decision to enter a bailout programme.