Cowen"s own-goal could be his downfall

Dear sir - Has Brian Cowen become the Steve Staunton of Irish politics? So far, he has given nothing for the spectators to cheer about and he even has a players" revolt on his hands following his medical card own-goal. And while his first one hundred days were rough, his second one hundred days are turning out to be even worse. There has to be a question mark on his dealings last week in the transfer market but it is his refusal to clear out excess back-room staff that may well lead to his downfall. It seems that all we are short of is for the chairman, Sarkozy, to say declare that Mr Cowen has the full backing of the European board! But who is there to take on the manager"s job if it becomes vacant? As has been alluded to in a current advertisement for a well-known brand of beer, it seems you have a better chance of landing the job if you have a Spanish or Italian-sounding name. But, Maria Arni? Emono Gilmario? They"re not great options, are they? No, so once again, it looks like we have to go beyond our shores for a person with suitable gravitas ... but maybe not. There is a possible saviour, presently working for a European club, who hails originally from this country and who has a good track record. So, come back home, Carlos Macarivi, all is forgiven! Yours, John Reilly, Maelduin, Dunshaughlin.