Was it just me or was the significance of the Standard and Poor's annoucement lost in the furore over the cooments about the need for a change of government?

I watched the news last night and heard about the retraction of anything that might be see as unfriendly towards FF/GP, but almost no debate on the issue itself.

Could this be Cowengate II?

Can we stop calling things gates?

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Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.

- Niccolò Machiavelli

Cowengate II: another media generated story?

The S&P announcement is simple: we are borrowing €6-7bn to pay social welfare recipients and public sector workers, before we pay for public services and capital projects.

I think if Cowen had any influence over S&P, he's have retained AAA for us, so in answer to your question - NO!

What am i supposed to call those large flappy things hanging on the two pillars in my driveway ?

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Anyone for desert ?

Sister-in-laws.

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Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.

- Niccolò Machiavelli

Baby on the way so obsessed with "Cowengate", getit?

No, that would be the two dragons on top of the pillars!!

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Anyone for desert ?

Looks like Supermanpolitician stumbled into a Bobertgate..

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Ireland interests are best secured within a more dynamic EU. Vote YES to Lisbon.

Exactly my reasoning but we have come to different conclusions.

Cowen can only be held responsible for Ireland's performance. How we react to how others view our performance is irrelevant. So hence the attack on the man for stating an opinion seems farcical.

To me he only said something which 90% of the country have been saying anyway. When one of our own says it, it's fair game, but when an outsider has a go, there's a big brew ha ha!