EU: Ireland suffered the first reverse of its presidency of the EU yesterday when it could not secure agreement from other governments to reform the salary and expenses of MEPs.
Mr Cowen was seeking the approval of a new pay and expenses deal for MEPs, drafted by the European Parliament. But his chances of success evaporated over the weekend when Sweden joined Germany, France and Austria in the opposition camp, leaving him without even a weighted majority in favour of the proposal.
Mr Cowen said afterwards: "I share the disappointment of many." But he distanced himself a little from the setback, pointing out that the compromise package had been drafted before Ireland assumed the presidency.