Just after noon, Brian Cowen was attending his second event, a business conference at UCD. During his speech to the conference, the Taoiseach was expressing his displeasure over what he considered to be some over-negative reporting in the media, even when there was some good news to report.

He referred to the fact that he had just come from a jobs announcement in the headquarters of Paddy Power in Tallaght.

"And when I came out from that particular launch this morning, I met all my media friends who, of course, didn't ask me any question about the fact there were 250 jobs being created that morning."

Funny that. For his friends in the media would've all sworn blind we had done precisely that two hours earlier, when the doorstep interview opened with Eileen Brophy, of Q102, asking: "Taoiseach, it's always a good day when you start the day announcing jobs?"

And Brian agreed with her. "Yes, I think it's very important to recognise that Paris Mutuel, who are one of the biggest sports betting organisations in the world, are partnering with Irish company Paddy Power in developing a business," he said.

Doubtless it was the excitement of announcing new jobs which caused this most uncharacteristic memory-lapse in the Taoiseach. He had been in cheery form when he arrived at the impressive HQ of the Irish bookmakers just after 9.30am.

He was taken on a tour of the building, which was enough to dispel anyone's illusions that turf accountants are little more than a bunch of chaps making up odds in the back of a shop.

Brian was clearly impressed by his tour and lavished praise on the new venture to an audience which included the full complement of local TDs for the Dublin South-West constituency: junior minister Conor Lenihan, Fianna Fail's Charlie 'Tallaght Tallaght' O'Connor, Labour's Pat Rabbitte and Brian Hayes of Fine Gael.

"Being around just quickly the various parts of the operation here this morning, it's clear that tremendous work has been done within this organisation," said Brian.

"Today's announcement shows that the Smart Economy is not just a pipedream. It's not just about PhDs, traditional R&D investment or scientists in white coats. It's about people thinking smarter and working smarter".

The Taoiseach was even happier when after the speeches ended, he was presented with a framed photo of wonder horse Sea the Stars by Paddy Power's ceo, Patrick Kennedy. "Poetry in motion," marvelled Brian.

And then he talked to his friends in the media. And besides discussing the good news announced by Paddy Power, Brian was also able to comment on the excellent news which had broken the previous evening on the release of Irish priest Fr Michael Sinnott in the Philippines.

"I was delighted to hear it. I very much welcome it. We wish him well, and I hope he can rejoin his family here at home as soon as he wishes," he added.

However, given that his Foreign Affairs Minister, Lucky Martin, is the man with the Midas touch at the moment and is on a remarkable run of good fortune, including the passing of the Lisbon referendum and the release of both Fr Sinnott and aid worker Sharon Commins, perhaps he should have a punt at saving the economy.

Brian should hand over to Lucky Martin the remains of the government coffers and suggest he pick a horse -- sure, the deficit could be cleared by Christmas.

In fact, the Taoiseach was having a bit of a sporting day all around yesterday. Besides the gee-gees, he also had the beautiful game on his mind. During the afternoon, a video surfaced on Fianna Fail's website, featuring our leader giving his considered opinion on Saturday's World Cup qualifier between Ireland and France.

"I think we all hope they'll do well," he muses to the camera. "Mr Trapattoni has provided us with a team and a system, I think, which means we don't leak many goals."

And the Taoiseach knows full well how the power of a bit of sporting success can lift the spirits of a gloomy electorate. "It's great for national morale, too. We all remember other occasions when we qualified for the World Cup," he said.

It was a most impressive performance from the lad Brian. If the odds on his government surviving past the coming savage Budget should lessen dramatically in the coming weeks, he could always consider a career in sports broadcasting.

And he can be assured that his friends in the media will put in a good word.