Poll findings a relief for Government

ONE year ago today, Brian Cowen walked into the Government Press Centre flanked by his Cabinet colleagues Eamon Ryan, Pat Carey and Mary Hanafin, and two officials from the Department of Finance, Kevin Cardiff and Ann Nolan.

The then finance minister, Brian Lenihan, was in Brussels.)

“I can confirm that the Government have concluded negotiations with our European partners and international institutions, including the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund,” Mr Cowen said.