Cowen angrily denies 'economic treason' allegation

Taoiseach Brian Cowen launched an emotional defence of his political reputation today after being accused of economic treason over the multi-billion euro bailout of rogue lender Anglo Irish Bank.

Opposition leaders unleashed a blistering attack on Mr Cowen over his decisions as former Finance Minister and later as the country’s leader which, they said, have saddled the Irish taxpayer with a €40bn clean-up bill.