Banking Inquiry: Cowen showed lack of curiosity in crisis but made biggest mistakes as minister

Brian Cowen’s appearance at the banking inquiry yesterday was more assured than last week but his testimony showed a serious lack of curiosity at times during the crisis, writes Michael Clifford.

BRIAN Cowen came to the banking inquiry yesterday to make a few corrections on sums. Some people have “added two and two and got 20”, he told the inquiry early on. He was there to put them right.

His second day before the inquiry dealt with his turbulent time as taoiseach. It’s also a period out of which various rumours have solidified into fact. Like the one that the bank guarantee overseen by Cowen delivered the country into austerity.