Article: Having risen without trace, only now is Brian Cowen being made to stick his head above the parapet; Seize the day: Brian Cowen must take a more pro-active role.

Byline: Richard Waghorne

IF BRIAN COWEN is an optimist, he could count his blessings today. Thereare quite a few of them.

He is the first Taoiseach who does not need to worry unduly about NorthernIreland, for a start.

He has risen to the pinnacle of power almost effortlessly. He has no obviousrival within his party. He has more than a year to settle in before facing theverdict of voters. He is already well known and more importantly, liked andtrusted.

Having weathered the last year, the coalition he inherits is about asunshakable as they come. He is formidably intelligent and respected byofficials. And he is not exactly paired against ...

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