Critical reaction makes global headlines

MEDIA COVERAGE:CRITICAL REACTION to Taoiseach Brian Cowen's performance in a radio interview yesterday morning made international headlines, with media outlets around the world carrying the story on their websites.

The BBC placed the story in the Northern Ireland section of its UK news pages under the headline “Irish premier denies being hungover during interview”.

The report also carried the claim by Fine Gael’s finance spokesman Michael Noonan that there were concerns over the leadership of the country.

The New York Timeswebsite linked to an Associated Press report with the headline, "Irish premier denies being drunk, hung over on air".

Mr Cowen's interview with Cathal Mac Coille on RTÉ Radio One's Morning Irelandprogramme was described as "croaky" in the AP report.

“He often offered vague, semi-coherent answers to questions on Ireland’s battle to save its banks and reverse its deficit,” the report said.

The report also referred to Fianna Fáil’s “shaky” parliamentary majority.

Syndicated reports were also picked up by several other large news organisations around the globe, including the Washington Post website.

The AP report carried on the site said Mr Cowen had responded “curtly” to a reporter’s question.

“Asked by a reporter about speculation he was struggling from the after-effects of late-night drinking, Cowen replied curtly, ‘That’s ridiculous’,” the report said.

The Fox News website featured the headline: “Ireland’s embattled prime minister denies being drunk, hung over; opposition demands election”, while MSNBC carried a report with contributions from Reuters.

“Renowned for his gruff public persona, Cowen traditionally lets his hair down at the annual conference with ballad songs and pints of beer into the small hours,” the report said.

“But headlines about a partying leader are the last thing the Government needs as it seeks to squeeze more cutbacks out of a badly stretched electorate and convince investors that Ireland is not on the rocks.”

In Europe, Spain’s ABC also reported Mr Cowen’s denial that he was drunk or hungover during the interview.

However, in France, Le Mondestuck to economics and reported on the budget cuts that were mentioned during the course of the interview.