Cowen's Legacy and O'Leary's Fallout | Ireland News

Brian Cowen’s new biography reignites debate over Ireland’s 2010 financial crisis, as he defends his leadership by framing austerity measures not as surrender to the Troika but as necessary discipline to secure survival funds. Meanwhile, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary sparks outrage with his “high-fare rapists” remark, drawing condemnation from rape survivors’ advocates — despite his claim that he meant no disrespect to victims. The board, half of whom are women with gender equality expertise, now faces a tough call on whether such inflammatory rhetoric is appropriate for their top executive — especially given his outsized pay and the company’s female workforce. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/16/michael-olearys-use-of-the-word-rape-to-berate-rivals-should-worry-ryanair/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6af8c4c48fe1d5ba Report issues to [email protected].