Mr. Brian Cowen:

Well, I'd say all of the individuals concerned would now, given what's been made of it, would rather it hadn't happened. I'm sure that's true, if only for the optics. But on the substance of the situation, and this is the important point, what's the substance. The substance is I want to assure the Irish people that I didn't do anything untoward, or inappropriate, or discuss issues I shouldn't be discussing with any individual bank at the expense or cost of anyone else, at that time or ever. I didn't discuss it, and that's the way I've always operated. You know, I've ... I tried to perform my public duties well and, as I say, contact ... the idea that we live in an era where contact equals some sort of nefarious collusion going on, I mean, I'm sorry if people want to-----