Cowen seems unable to break free of Ahern’s potentially fatal embrace

Cowen runs the risk of being seen by the public as the principal apologist for Ahern (with the obvious exception of Martin Mansergh) if he continues to defend the indefensible.

That could colour the floating voter’s perception of Cowen, and not to his favour

BRIAN COWEN may be that rare thing in Irish politics: a man without the personal ambition to reach the very top despite the opportunity being put in front of him. Or else, and more worryingly, he is a man paralysed by the fear of taking the responsibility involved in becoming Taoiseach.