IRISH PREMIER DENIES BEING HUNGOVER DURING INTERVIEW

The Irish prime minister has denied being drunk or hungover on an RTE radio programme on Tuesday morning.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said such comments were “ridiculous”.

Mr Cowen was interviewed live from his party's conference, which is taking place in Galway.

Following the interview, the finance spokesman for the Republic's oppostion claimed there were concerns over the leadership of the country.

“There was a feeling this morning that this can't continue, the game is up,” said Fine Gael's Michael Noonan.

Mr Cowen described the Morning Ireland interview as a “good conversation”.

When asked about the possibility that he may have been drunk or hungover, he said: “I'm sorry… absolutely not.”

Mr Cowen attended the Fianna Fail party dinner at the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway on Monday night.

His party conference finishes on Tuesday.