Mr. Brian Cowen:

I think there were people who may have had genuine concerns about the stability of the euro area, etc., etc., etc., who know nothing about politics, and don't understand how we, as politicians, have to try and effect democratic accountability at home, and have to work within processes that are ... that need some time to put in place. I'm not saying ... and, there was no reason, in respect of this Government, or, indeed, any Irish Government, that would be abdicating its responsibilities in a serious situation that we were involved in. So, I just felt the thing was gratuitous.