Fukuda urges Cowen to follow

In a move that came as a blow to Taoiseach Brian Cowen, the Japanese PM tendered his resignation last night.

Mr Cowen has often been compared to Mr Fakuda (72). Both men took over just as the fortunes of their countries began to wane, and both men were cursed with more popular predecessors.

Mr Ahern and Junichiro Koizumi were both credited with the expansion of their countries' economies.

The seventy-two year old was very critical of the amount of ‘confusion’ that obtained during his brief stint - a statement that seems all too similar to our post-Ahern plight. ‘It is a fact that it took very long to decide on anything,’ Mr Fakuda said. He urged Cowen to follow his lead.

Mr Taro Aso, a conservative sixty-seven year old man, is expected to take the reins.