Brian Cowen is an Irish former politician who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 7 May 2008 to 9 March 2011. He was head of a coalition government led by Fianna F�il which until 23 January 2011 had the support of the Green Party and independent TDs. Cowen was also leader of Fianna F�il from 7 May 2008 until 22 January 2011, when he resigned under political pressure after a failed and highly controversial attempt at a cabinet reshuffle. He was a Teachta D�la for the Laois?Offaly constituency from 1984 to 2011. He previously served as Minister for Labour, Minister for Energy, Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, Minister for Health, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Finance and also as T�naiste. He became leader of Fianna F�il on the resignation of Bertie Ahern. On 7 May 2008, following the resignation of Ahern as Taoiseach, Cowen was nominated by D�il �ireann to replace him and was appointed by the President later that day. Cowen's administration coincided with the Irish financial and banking crises. 

January 10th, 1960 in Clara (Age 64)