If you want a clear budget outline, read Cowen’s árd fheis speech

IN ALL my years attending Fianna Fáil árd fheiseanna, in one capacity or another, I have never seen a minister get a standing ovation before their speech began.

The party leader, whether Taoiseach of the day or not, often gets a standing ovation before, after or even during his address, but mere ministers have to wait until after their contributions to get the delegates to their feet - and they are not guaranteed one at that.

However, when it comes to standing among the Fianna Fáil grassroots there is something different about Brian Cowen. Last Saturday morning he got a standing ovation at the end of his speech at the Finance and Economy workshop.