Former taoiseach Brian Cowen appraises his role in tackling economic crisis

A defiant Brian Cowen insists being Taoiseach was “very difficult” for him, but claims his actions saved the country.

Speaking for the first time in detail about his time in office, the controversial former Fianna Fáil leader’s comments are contained in a new book — Hell At The Gates — by Irish Examiner political editor Daniel McConnell and John Lee. Extracts of the book are published in today’s newspaper.

Mr Cowen also reveals how he felt about the personal attacks on him which led to his daughters receiving some verbal abuse at the time.