Banking Inquiry: Brian Cowen: Spending spree helped Ireland back on its feet

Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen has claimed Ireland bounced back from its devastating financial collapse quicker because of his spending spree while in office.

On his second day before the inquiry into the crisis, Mr Cowen said he takes responsibility for his role as leader of the country in the downturn. However, he said his policies while in power were “plausible”.

His Fianna Fáil-led government decisions were stress-tested against threats, but there was a “clear misjudgment of the risks and potential impacts”, he told the Oireachtas banking inquiry.