Two queens with a vital history lesson for Cowen

DURING the Second World War blitz on London, the present Queen Elizabeth’s mother was urged to remove herself and her children to the safety of a country seat for the duration of the bombing.

The queen mother is reported to have said: “If I do that, how can I look the East End in the eye?”

Taoiseach Brian Cowen might do well at this time to consider the wisdom of this regal lady who did not even depend on the ballot box to keep her position.