Transcript of Taoiseach Brian Cowen's interview with RTÉ’s David Davin Power where he apologises for his radio performance yesterday morning which caused an international controversy.
BC: Well I think I've listened and heard how things have been going today and was told about it - I was at a couple of cabinet meetings and cabinet subcommittee meetings today.
But I would like to make it very clear there was no intention on my part whatever of any disrespect to the country or to the people of Ireland in respect of the interview itself. It wasn’t my best interview having heard it again on tape as there was a hoarseness in my voice.
But I was prepared for it over the weekend. There was a confluence of events that occurred but I want to make it very clear there was no basis for the assertions that were made by political opponents about it. But I do want to emphasise at no stage would I ever entertain disrespecting the people in terms of the office I hold.
DDP: Are you sorry now you did that interview?
BC: Well I'm sorry that it emerged in the quality that it did, as I say there was a hoarseness in my voice throughout the day yesterday. But it doesn't take away from the fact that it wasn't my best performance and I would like to apologise for that. If people were to take from it that there was any suggestion of disrespect or casualness on my part it wasn't the case. The fact of the matter is I wouldn't do that. I've always taken my role seriously and ensured that I perform my public duties properly.
DDP: What do you say to Ministers who may be wondering if this is a lapse of judgement that shows that you're not the man to sell the Budget, you're not the man to lead them into byelections and you're not the man to lead them into the General Election?
BC: Well I have been leading this Government for the last over two and a half years through difficult times, critical times for the country, and I think we have been making the right decisions. There is a good unity of purpose in the Government and we are all working together very hard today and in the days ahead.
DDP: Has this not damaged your standing as Taoiseach with your peers?
BC: Well I hope not. I would recognise that there are times that something doesn't go well you have to acknowledge and be truthful about it. But as I say the assertions that were made subsequent to it were without justification, were without foundation, were not correct were not true and I would hate to think the reputation of the country or the office of Taoiseach would in any way be affected by what I had to say.
DDP: Finally the thrust of the argument coming from your supporters has been that its Simon Coveney's fault for tweeting in the way that he did but really aren't you admitting that the primary problem in this whole saga was your performance in this interview?
BC: As I say, the substance of what I had to say I don't think that anyone has any queries with, the tone of my voice was not good because of the hoarseness of my voice. And I've listened to it now today and I acknowledge that. I'm just making the point to people first of all there was not intention on my part whatever to be disrespectful or casual about the issue and secondly I have to take my responsibilities and I would ask others to reflect on what responsibility they should take based on a very unworthy allegation being made after the interview which, in fact, got wider public articulation internationally as well and I don't think that was a good thing and people should reflect on that.
DDP: Have you apologised to your Cabinet colleagues for your performance?
BC: Certainly I said to all of my colleagues that I was very sorry, that there was obviously adverse publicity around what was a good and substantive meeting of the Fianna Fáil party where people of substance came to discuss serious issues and I think that shouldn't be lost sight of.
And I want to say from my point of view that it is something that I’m very conscious of. I dealt with it I hope in a frank and honest way. I think those who did attend the meeting will acknowledge that what I have to say is accurate in terms of my own demeanour. And I just want to be assurent [sic] to people that there is no disrespect intended and certainly make sure that something like that wouldn’t happen again.
DDP: Just for the record, do you feel your position as Taoiseach is secure?
BC: Yes. I mean I've had our Cabinet meeting today and people acknowledge that this Government has a huge job of work to do. We are making the right decisions, we are on the right road, the plans are being implemented and we need a period of stability and determined government to implement both the budget ahead and ensure we can get back on track.