Brian Cowen - The Homecoming.

Well, being a resident who lives not too far from Clara Co.Offaly, it was with raised eyebrows I saw the celebratory bunting and hoardings going up over the past weeks in anticipation of the return to his hometown of the new Taoiseach, Brian Cowen. Pictures of his cherubic face adorned houses, like shrines of pilgrimage for the religious. Except there was no halo over them. At least I don't think so. Many here would have not objected had there been one.

On Saturday I drove from Moate to Tullamore on business, and for the whole journey every second house or so, had bunting, pictures of the prodigal son, or both. In some case, tractors, trucks and cars had been strategically placed on the side of the main roads advertising their business and admiration for the man.

Clara was closed off, it was like a virus had swept the town and we were all ushered to diversions away from there as the preparations for his arrival continued. I do not believe even the Pope would would have got such adoration himself if he had descended on the sleepy hamlet.

At 6 o'clock on Saturday, on a warm and still evening, he addressed his fellow townsfolk. A hot air balloon was seen rising into the Clara sky, and we wondered if we could make a correlation between how the balloon rose into the air and Mr Cowen's speech.

Welcome home Brian, we'll see you again in 4 years time then?

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