Cowen’s cure may be worse than the disease – it’s time we decided

DID you happen to see the Heineken Cup final (albeit on Sky)? There was a defining moment in the second half.

Both Biarritz and Toulouse were evenly matched, except in the scrum. Repeatedly, Biarritz were driven backwards, irrespective of who had the put-in, invariably conceding a penalty. After a goal-line incident, Biarritz had the choice of its own scrum or a 22-metre drop-out.

Co-commentator Stuart Barnes was shocked as they opted to kick possession away instead of suffering another scrum. This symbolised an admission of weakness. The moment reminded me of Brian Cowen in the Dáil last week. A head of steam has built up with opposition demands for the by-elections to be held. Next month will mark a year’s deferral of the Donegal South West by-election, when Pat the Cope Gallagher was re-elected as an MEP.