Falling on deaf ears

THE only sign of political self-delusion more stark than Brian Cowen’s insistence on staying on in office, is his belief that in so doing he is putting the “national interest” ahead of all personal or political concerns.

He no longer has the full trust of all of his cabinet. He does not have the support of all his Fianna Fáil backbenchers. He does not have the support of the people of Ireland. The majority of the Dáil believe an election is needed before the introduction of the 2011 Budget.

And yet the lamest of lame duck leaders imaginable last night signalled his intention to stay in office, to push through the most austere budget in the history of the state; to represent the interests of the people of Ireland in bailout negotiations with the IMF and the EU, and publish a four-year plan intended to restore international confidence in this country.