Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen fighting for life after suffering suspected brain haemorrhage
BRIAN Cowen was last night fighting for his life after suffering a brain haemorrhage, it is feared.
The former Taoiseach, 59, was rushed to hospital in Dublin on Thursday night, where his condition is understood to be critical.
It is believed he had been in hospital on a few occasions in recent months, but was said to have been in good spirits recently.
The Irish Sun has learned that the respected former Fianna Fail leader had not touched a drop of alcohol or a cigarette in the past six weeks and was keeping active by walking regularly.
Fianna Fail yesterday declined to comment.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I served in the Dail with Brian Cowen for a number of years. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.”
Mr Cowen’s father Ber died suddenly in 1984 following a similar health issue — his death opening the way for his son’s entry into national politics.
Brian’s brother Barry took his brother’s empty seat in Offaly after successfully running in the 2016 general election.
The TD — Fianna Fail’s current spokesperson on Public Expenditure — is understood to have travelled to the hospital with other family members.
'HOSPITALISED IN APRIL'
Former Fianna Fail leader Brian was reportedly hospitalised for a number of days in late April.
He fell ill while attending an Oireachtas golf society event at Lahinch, Co Clare and was brought to hospital by ambulance.
He has enjoyed a quiet life out of the public eye since he resigned from office in February 2011.
Mr Cowan was awarded an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland in 2017.
Since retiring, he has also worked as a director of Topaz Energy and as a director of the Beacon Hospital in Sandyford.
The Clara native is also a keen horse racing fan and regularly attends the Galway and Cheltenham Racing festivals.
The ex-Taoiseach was a divisive figure in politics having served in several Government cabinets under Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern.
The Offaly man took up the top office after Ahern resigned in 2008 and led the country during the banking crisis that plummeted Ireland into recession.
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Cowen’s leadership was dealt a crippling blow in 2010 was he was forced to request a bailout from the European Commission, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
In 2015 at the Banking Inquiry he apologised for “hardship and distress” caused by the Irish financial crisis.
In a combative appearance, he gave a robust defence of his performance as Finance Minister while adding that “no government in the democratic world” was budgeting for the possibility of the biggest financial crisis since the 1920s.
