Cowen's 'contempt'

Madam, - It was with some shock that I read in Mark Hennessy's Inside Politics (September 27th) that Brian Cowen "cannot hide…

Madam, - It was with some shock that I read in Mark Hennessy's Inside Politics (September 27th) that Brian Cowen "cannot hide his intellectual contempt for Kenny, and cannot work up the enthusiasm or interest to act as if he has to concentrate to deal with him".

My goodness, what arrogance! What does this tell us about Mr Cowen? What justification can there possibly be for such an attitude? I know his friends in the media constantly portray him as being oh so clever - but where is the beef? More and more I am reminded of the story about the King's new clothes.

Micheál Martin was a poor Minister for Health but can be remembered for the smoking ban, a great achievement. Mary Harney may be a dodgy Minister for Health, but can be remembered for getting rid of smog, a great achievement. Brian Cowen? A poor Minister for Health, a disastrous Minister for Finance, a bumbling Taoiseach with no achievements to his name. And he is contemptuous of others! - Yours, etc,

T. MARTIN, Broadford Drive, Ballinteer, Dublin 16.