The Front Pages
In a desperate attempt to clear up the mess he made on a live radio interview on Tuesday morning, Taoiseach Brian Cowen last night issued an apology to the people of Ireland for his below-par performance. Here’s how the headlines look:
‘Cowen tells public he is sorry for his radio performance: No intention to show people any disrespect, says Taoiseach’ – the Irish Times.
‘Taoiseach ‘sorry’ as Martin piles on the pressure: Cowen apology fails to quell fears among backbenchers’ – the Irish Independent.
‘Uproar forces Cowen to say sorry: Taoiseach makes embarrassing apology in bid to save reputation’ – the Irish Examiner.
Looking past the apology, which makes little difference at this stage, we see one senior cabinet minister who’s signalling warnings to Biffo.
Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin didn’t hold back when interviewed yesterday about the Taoiseach’s performance on radio, describing it as “terrible stuffâ€. Mr Martin is considered by many to be a potential successor to Mr Cowen.
Meanwhile, 77% of over 24,000 people who took part in a 10-minute Liveline radio poll said they did not have confidence in Mr Cowen to lead the country or the Government.
Tales from the Tabs
Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle has revealed she will wed her NFL star boyfriend, the Sun reports.
Nadine (25) told BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills of how Jason Bell (32), who plays for New York Giants, proposed: “Yes it is an engagement ring. It was last week. I’d just got back from London and he surprised me with a ring while I was in my pyjamas.
“If I’d known I’d have had a blow-dry or at least a manicure or something.
“It was in Los Angeles. He was really nice. He got down on two knees – not one – because he had played football for a while so he was all banged up.
“It was different. He’s probably dying now!”
The Sports Pages
Arsenal and Chelsea both got their Champions League campaigns off to flying starts last night with convincing victories.
Arsene Wenger claimed Cesc Fabregas proved his love for the club last night with a masterclass display, scoring two goals and creating another two in the 6-0 win over visitors Braga.
Wenger’s comment published in the Star: “He loves this club. People doubted that, but I never did. I never said his heart wasn’t here. He enjoys the way we play. What more do you want to be happy?â€
Meanwhile, Nicolas Anelka scored twice in Chelsea’s 4-1 win in Slovakia last night against MSK Zilina. Michael Essien and Sturridge bagged the other goals for the Blues.
