Cowen makes Newsweek's 'Top 10 Leaders' list

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has been included in a list of the top 10 leaders in the world.

In its report, Newsweek magazine said that, along with Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, Mr Cowen has pushed through austerity packages drastic enough to win the admiration of the international community.

But despite awarding him the title of 'Fiscal Taskmaster', the magazine said: "…The Irish aren't showing much gratitude - Cowen's ratings have plunged to a mere 18%, and his Fianna Fáil party can expect a drubbing in the 2012 national elections."

However, the magazine added that : "There's some hope that (Cowen's) government's unpopular measures will be rewarded in the long run."