Am I the only fan of Brian Cowen?

DiarmaidGNR

I have to admit, I prefer American politics due to it's entertaining nature, but lately I have been listening/watching Oireachtas sessions online, and I have to admit - I'm loving Brian Cowen!!

He is extremely intelligent.
He is very well spoken (apart from the fat man slur(not a drunken one!)).
He knows figures off by heart.
And he is willing to make unpopular decisions to better the country. (in my own opinion)

All of these qualities seemed to be magnified due to Enda Kennys inadequacies.


Here is Cowens latest speech. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMzUbzDH2IA&feature=sub

Judge for yourself. Plenty of videos of all Dail sessions online.

***NB*** I am not part of any political party, I just call it the way I see it.

Laminations

Then you need to get your eyes checked

Avns1s

I would say you're pretty much on your own!

Perhaps when you're finished with them, you could give me the lend of your rose tinted glasses. It might help me see the depressing state of our country predominantly caused by Cowen and his retards in a different light, and detach me from reality, hopefully to the same extent as you seem to be.

Still, you're in a better place!!;)

dahamsta

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

He knows figures off by heart.

Wow. And there was me thinking he hadn't reached primary school level yet.

wolfpawnat

Lenihan, stop ass licking, get off boards and try sorting your figures out for the budget you idiot!!!!!

Avns1s

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Lenihan, stop ass licking, get off boards and try sorting your figures out for the budget you idiot!!!!!

And there was I thinking it was Jim McDaid!!

DiarmaidGNR

dahamsta wrote: »

Wow. And there was me thinking he hadn't reached primary school level yet.

He is a qualified barrister. Enda Kenny is a primary school teacher.

Shazanne

Ok - gonna cut the OP some slack here - but just a tiny and probably irrelevant bit:D Brian Cowen "the man" is an ok guy - witty, entertaining and intelligent. However, Brian Cowen "the political leader" is a somewhat different story - out of his depth, struggling too hard to survive, often looking confused, not always honest, occasionaly cowardly and terribly tired. Now, who do we need at the present time - the man or the political leader?????

Dannyboy83

Actually there has been a noted change in his behavior since "The Hangover".

I think he has certainly improved, but it's too little, too late.

Forgive the lame analogy, but people wouldn't say Uncle Adolf was nice to the jews if he built one synagogue at the end of the war despite being one of the primary actors in their genocide.

enda1

OP you are not the only fan of Cowan.
The country is quite well stocked in cheerleaders actually.

Boards however is not. But neither does boards ever put forward a viable alternative.

Cowan is both good and bad. He was not brave enough to make the unpopular decisions when they counted but will make them now that they are not so unpopular nor difficult to make. This will help his faithful to remain so.

There's no denying that he's a very bright man. But he is a bit too "smart" if ye get me. A bit too much like Pat Rabitt in his turns of phrase. His intelligence does not reach so far into his people skills nor his societal empathy. How else could he have his drinking buddy as Táiniste!?

caseyann

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

I have to admit, I prefer American politics due to it's entertaining nature, but lately I have been listening/watching Oireachtas sessions online, and I have to admit - I'm loving Brian Cowen!!

He is extremely intelligent.
He is very well spoken (apart from the fat man slur(not a drunken one!)).
He knows figures off by heart.
And he is willing to make unpopular decisions to better the country. (in my own opinion)

All of these qualities seemed to be magnified due to Enda Kennys inadequacies.


Here is Cowens latest speech. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMzUbzDH2IA&feature=sub

Judge for yourself. Plenty of videos of all Dail sessions online.

***NB*** I am not part of any political party, I just call it the way I see it.

Nothing more to be said on that highlighted and see why you are a Brian fan:D

Highlighted number two,yes the figures to keep him from the poor house he knows off by Heart :mad:

Brian????

dahamsta

enda1 wrote: »

But neither does bards ever put forward a viable alternative.

To Cowen? How about a Tamworth? It's slightly more intelligent, and better looking to boot.

DublinWriter

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

He is a qualified barrister. Enda Kenny is a primary school teacher.

Charles Haughey was not only a qualified barrister, but also a Chartered Accountant and held a BA from UCD.

Your point is...?

galwayrush

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Lenihan, stop ass licking, get off boards and try sorting your figures out for the budget you idiot!!!!!

I bought him a Christmas pressie, thought he could do with it earlier.
[IMG][/img]

dahamsta

DublinWriter wrote: »

Charles Haughey was not only a qualified barrister, but also a Chartered Accountant and held a BA from UCD.

Your point is...?

Robert Mugabe has 7 degrees. Mugabe for Taoiseach!

Mr.Micro

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

He is a qualified barrister.

Crikey they must have lowered "the bar" that year he qualified:D

DiarmaidGNR

Shazanne wrote: »

Ok - gonna cut the OP some slack here - but just a tiny and probably irrelevant bit:D Brian Cowen "the man" is an ok guy - witty, entertaining and intelligent. However, Brian Cowen "the political leader" is a somewhat different story - out of his depth, struggling too hard to survive, often looking confused, not always honest, occasionaly cowardly and terribly tired. Now, who do we need at the present time - the man or the political leader?????

But who would you rather - Brian Cowen the political leader, or Enda Kenny jackass?

wolfpawnat

galwayrush wrote: »

I bought him a Christmas pressie, thought he could do with it earlier.
[IMG][/img]

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wolfpawnat

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

But who would you rather - Brian Cowen the political leader, or Enda Kenny jackass?

Neither!!!! My 2 year old would do better. And at least if he was on the radio and slurring his speech it would be adorable, not internationally humiliating!

DiarmaidGNR

DublinWriter wrote: »

Charles Haughey was not only a qualified barrister, but also a Chartered Accountant and held a BA from UCD.

Your point is...?

My point was - Enda Kenny is an idiot.

DiarmaidGNR

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Neither!!!! My 2 year old would do better. And at least if he was on the radio and slurring his speech it would be adorable, not internationally humiliating!

He always slurs his speech, that's just the way he talks. If you must blame someone, blame the guy who first implied he was drunk!

Professey Chin

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

My point was - Enda Kenny is an idiot.

Counter point - Cowen is an idiot whos already proved he cant handle it and is just gonna keep doing damage

DublinWriter

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

My point was - Enda Kenny is an idiot.

At least as a ex-primary school teacher he knows how to control infants.

DiarmaidGNR

Dannyboy83 wrote: »

Actually there has been a noted change in his behavior since "The Hangover".

I think he has certainly improved, but it's too little, too late.

Forgive the lame analogy, but people wouldn't say Uncle Adolf was nice to the jews if he built one synagogue at the end of the war despite being one of the primary actors in their genocide.

Your analogy implies Brian Cowen was to blame for Irelands part in a world wide financial meltdown, when in fact Irelands meltdown can be nearly entirerly blamed on Charlie McCreevy. The lastest episodes of reeling in the years documents it quite well. (I think it was 2001)

DiarmaidGNR

DublinWriter wrote: »

At least as a ex-primary school teacher he knows how to control infants.

Learn how to compose a half decent argument.

DiarmaidGNR

Ultimate Chin wrote: »

Counter point - Cowen is an idiot whos already proved he cant handle it and is just gonna keep doing damage

How?

DiarmaidGNR

Seriously, - watch an hour or 2 of Dail proceedings and you will get a better understanding of what goes on. (political media is appalling in this country)

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

Eutow

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

He is very well spoken (apart from the fat man slur(not a drunken one!)).

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

He always slurs his speech, that's just the way he talks. If you must blame someone, blame the guy who first implied he was drunk!

Bit of a contradiction there I think. If "he always slurs his speech" how can he ever be very well spoken?

caseyann

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

Seriously, - watch an hour or 2 of Dail proceedings and you will get a better understanding of what goes on. (political media is appalling in this country)

I watched it hundreds of times,and he seriously can not speak.He is shifty and he also avoids facts and figures.
And explain this to me,with everyone taking their hits on wages and expenses,where are his why arent they taking a big hit in their wages to save the country? While they can certainly hit the less well off no problem?

Professey Chin

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

How?

How???
Have you had your head under a rock or up your ass for the last few years?

caseyann

Ultimate Chin wrote: »

How???
Have you had your head under a rock or up your ass for the last few years?

He likes American politics dont you think thats enough said

I really think its Brian

southsiderosie

Ugh, I cannot believe I am taking the bait.

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

I have to admit, I prefer American politics due to it's entertaining nature, but lately I have been listening/watching Oireachtas sessions online, and I have to admit - I'm loving Brian Cowen!!

He is extremely intelligent.
He is very well spoken (apart from the fat man slur(not a drunken one!)).
He knows figures off by heart.
And he is willing to make unpopular decisions to better the country. (in my own opinion)

All of these qualities seemed to be magnified due to Enda Kennys inadequacies.

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

Your analogy implies Brian Cowen was to blame for Irelands part in a world wide financial meltdown, when in fact Irelands meltdown can be nearly entirerly blamed on Charlie McCreevy. The lastest episodes of reeling in the years documents it quite well. (I think it was 2001)

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

Seriously, - watch an hour or 2 of Dail proceedings and you will get a better understanding of what goes on. (political media is appalling in this country)

Brian Cowen became Finance Minister in 2004, a point where the economy was clearly overheating. Since Ireland could not raise interest rates to cool things down, steps should have been taken to use tax or other fiscal policy to curb massive asset inflation. He did nothing, and his boss flamed anyone who dared to challenge the party line on the state of the economy.

In addition, pretty much every budget from 2007 until today has been a complete and absolute fiction when it comes to expected revenues. Cowen was either directly responsible for, or signed off on every single one of those budgets. And today the country is being punished by international markets, in large part due to the government's fiddling with the figures for the last three years.

Finally, he has at no point been willing to show any kind of leadership in confronting entrenched interests in Irish society, whether the Catholic Church, trade unions, or wealthy bankers and developers. He has consistently put the wants of his party over the needs of Irish citizens, with the most obvious example being his party's refusal to hold bye-elections until the courts called their bluff. Leaving three (now four) constituencies without representatives when the state is facing its deepest crisis since its founding is absolutely disgraceful.

In short, Cowen is a terrible leader of both his party and the country, and deserves most of the criticism he receives. And neither his ability to keep figures straight in his head when speaking in public nor the weakness of the opposition leadership negates that.

Mr.Micro

caseyann wrote: »

He likes American politics dont you think thats enough said

I really think its Brian

aka Biffo :D

KnifeWRENCH

I think Cowen is a fairly decent person; he's not a corrupt crook (á la Haughey or Bertie) and there's no denying that he is intelligent. But he has been a disaster as Taoiseach.

Perhaps if he had been more careful with his Budgets when he was Finance minister, Ireland would not have suffered as much from the recession as it did. Had he handled the economy better when it mattered and ensured that Ireland would recover from the recession at a pace comparable to other European countries (excluding Iceland and Greece, obviously!) his role and popularity as Taoiseach could have been very, very different. It's all a case as "shoulda woulda coulda" though and history will not look kindly on his time as Taoiseach.

I do admire his resilience and his no-nonsense approach into making the tough decisions needed to fix the economy, but any credit he gets for that is wiped out by the fact that him and Bertie were responsible for those decisions needing to be made in the first place.

Lenny Lovett

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

Your analogy implies Brian Cowen was to blame for Irelands part in a world wide financial meltdown, when in fact Irelands meltdown can be nearly entirerly blamed on Charlie McCreevy. The lastest episodes of reeling in the years documents it quite well. (I think it was 2001)

He bailed out a Bank that should have been let sink and in so doing poured tens of billions down the drain. So, in effect, he didn't cause the start of the meltdown but by God he compounded it dramatically and continues to daily by his bumbling.

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

Seriously, - watch an hour or 2 of Dail proceedings

An hour or two? I'd lose what little will to live I have left!:rolleyes:

DiarmaidGNR

I meant articulate.

DiarmaidGNR

caseyann wrote: »

I watched it hundreds of times,and he seriously can not speak.He is shifty and he also avoids facts and figures.
And explain this to me,with everyone taking their hits on wages and expenses,where are his why arent they taking a big hit in their wages to save the country? While they can certainly hit the less well off no problem?

The more you earn, - the more you have been cut. The lowest earners were cut least.

johngalway

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

The more you earn, - the more you have been cut. The lowest earners were cut least.

The less you earn the more pain is felt by those least cuts.

wolfpawnat

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

The more you earn, - the more you have been cut. The lowest earners were cut least.

Easy to say you are cut the least but you feel it most!!

DiarmaidGNR

southsiderosie wrote: »

Ugh, I cannot believe I am taking the bait.








Brian Cowen became Finance Minister in 2004, a point where the economy was clearly overheating. Since Ireland could not raise interest rates to cool things down, steps should have been taken to use tax or other fiscal policy to curb massive asset inflation. He did nothing, and his boss flamed anyone who dared to challenge the party line on the state of the economy.

In addition, pretty much every budget from 2007 until today has been a complete and absolute fiction when it comes to expected revenues. Cowen was either directly responsible for, or signed off on every single one of those budgets. And today the country is being punished by international markets, in large part due to the government's fiddling with the figures for the last three years.

Finally, he has at no point been willing to show any kind of leadership in confronting entrenched interests in Irish society, whether the Catholic Church, trade unions, or wealthy bankers and developers. He has consistently put the wants of his party over the needs of Irish citizens, with the most obvious example being his party's refusal to hold bye-elections until the courts called their bluff. Leaving three (now four) constituencies without representatives when the state is facing its deepest crisis since its founding is absolutely disgraceful.

In short, Cowen is a terrible leader of both his party and the country, and deserves most of the criticism he receives. And neither his ability to keep figures straight in his head when speaking in public nor the weakness of the opposition leadership negates that.

Is your first point not the role of the financial regulator?

In your second point - "projected revenues" - they are exactly that - projected, - a forecast based on a myriad of factors.

3rd point - I agree. (apart from the by election thing). I actually contacted the minister for education on the whole catholic thing, - shortly after wards the state started buying schools from the catholic church.
Also the way you phrase "Irish citizens" sounds very familiar, I think a certain fine gael politican likes to use similar phrases at least once in every sentence.

And on your final point, - I just don't see it. I realise how easy it is to be pissed off at the government right now, but he is soo much better than Bertie and Charlie (along with the opposition), he really is the best we've got! (doesn't really say much about Irish politicians)

DiarmaidGNR

johngalway wrote: »

The less you earn the more pain is felt by those least cuts.

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Easy to say you are cut the least but you feel it most!!

Tell me about it!! - I'm on the dole, but we all have to play our part.

imme

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

He is a qualified barrister. Enda Kenny is a primary school teacher.

Cowen was a solicitor.

The guy doesn't inspire confidence or much else.
He didn't want the job when it was given to him, so why did he take it?

Sir Oxman

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

But who would you rather - Brian Cowen the political leader, or Enda Kenny jackass?

Son, you obviously live under a bridge.

Fair play. Good one.

charlemont

He is a great comic figure, a joke really...

Sir Oxman

KnifeWRENCH wrote: »

I think Cowen is a fairly decent person; he's not a corrupt crook (á la Haughey or Bertie) and there's no denying that he is intelligent. But he has been a disaster as Taoiseach.

Perhaps if he had been more careful with his Budgets when he was Finance minister, Ireland would not have suffered as much from the recession as it did. Had he handled the economy better when it mattered and ensured that Ireland would recover from the recession at a pace comparable to other European countries (excluding Iceland and Greece, obviously!) his role and popularity as Taoiseach could have been very, very different. It's all a case as "shoulda woulda coulda" though and history will not look kindly on his time as Taoiseach.

I do admire his resilience and his no-nonsense approach into making the tough decisions needed to fix the economy, but any credit he gets for that is wiped out by the fact that him and Bertie were responsible for those decisions needing to be made in the first place.

So, in essence he isn't actually intelligent at all.

skelliser

Another cunning FF apologist out to defend his leader.

Or is he?!

Read the OP's post, in nearly everyone he attempts to through some mud at Enda Kenny.
Do yourself a favour and run along, ye FF apologists can be seen a mile away at this stage.

It will be a great day in ireland when fianna fail are consigned to the history books.

alentejo

First of all I am not a fan of either FF or Cowen and I blame them there actions between 1997 and 2007.

However, ever since B Cowen took over from Bertie, the government has had some of the most serious economic and banking shocks ever witnessed in any Western economy.

Bank guarantee was a disaster in hindsight, however at the time and on that fateful night in September, based with all the facts at the time, it was a decision which appeared to be correct. Would things have turned out differently? We will never know.

B Cowen is human and has had some very difficult choices to make over the past 3 years. An leader over the past few years would have made some mistakes and most likely would have made the same mistakes as Cowen.

Having said that, I think with the by-elections and the government majority (or lack of it), I think it would be more honest to pass the budget in December and call an election in January.

Guill

DiarmaidGNR wrote: »

I have to admit, I prefer American politics due to it's entertaining nature, but lately I have been listening/watching Oireachtas sessions online, and I have to admit - I'm loving Brian Cowen!!

He is extremely intelligent.
He is very well spoken (apart from the fat man slur(not a drunken one!)).
He knows figures off by heart.
And he is willing to make unpopular decisions to better the country. (in my own opinion)

All of these qualities seemed to be magnified due to Enda Kennys inadequacies.


Here is Cowens latest speech. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMzUbzDH2IA&feature=sub

Judge for yourself. Plenty of videos of all Dail sessions online.

***NB*** I am not part of any political party, I just call it the way I see it.

I totally agree, whether people like him or not, he is the best man for the job. He will make all the though decisions, everyone will hate him and he will be voted out by the under informed when the job is done.

DiarmaidGNR

skelliser wrote: »

Another cunning FF apologist out to defend his leader.

Or is he?!

Read the OP's post, in nearly everyone he attempts to through some mud at Enda Kenny.
Do yourself a favour and run along, ye FF apologists can be seen a mile away at this stage.

It will be a great day in ireland when fianna fail are consigned to the history books.

I am not with any party. But yes, clearly I hate Enda Kenny, I think he is a jackass, Fine Gael will never get into power while he is their leader.

DiarmaidGNR

alentejo wrote: »

First of all I am not a fan of either FF or Cowen and I blame them for there actions between 1997 and 2007.

However, ever since B Cowen took over from Bertie, the government has had some of the most serious economic and banking shocks ever witnessed in any Western economy.

Bank guarantee was a disaster in hindsight, however at the time and on that fateful night in September, based with all the facts at the time, it was a decision which appeared to be correct. Would things have turned out differently? We will never know.

B Cowen is human and has had some very difficult choices to make over the past 3 years. Any leader over the past few years would have made some mistakes and most likely would have made the same mistakes as Cowen.

Having said that, I think with the by-elections and the government majority (or lack of it), I think it would be more honest to pass the budget in December and call an election in January.

I agree, since 1997 FF have made some terrible decisions, but I don't see why everyone blames Cowen. It was Bertie and Charlie McCreevy!!!!!!!
McCreevy made a mess of the country!!

On the bank guarantee, personally, I think it had to be done. - Imagine the mess the would have followed the collapse of a bank. Instead, now we will have a controlled analysis which will in some cases will lead to a controlled dismantlement over time.