Is Brian Cowen A-List?
No — Brian Cowen is currently ranked D tier — a minor public figure with limited fame outside a small audience.
Reached A-list in 2008
Appointed Taoiseach
Lost A-list status in 2011
Dropped to C tier — Resigns as Taoiseach
Ranking Timeline
Elected to Dáil Éireann
Elected to the Irish Parliament, starting his political career.
Minister for Finance
Appointed Minister for Finance, a key position in the Irish government.
Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister)
Becomes Tánaiste, solidifying his path to Taoiseach.
Appointed Taoiseach
Appointed Taoiseach during the global financial crisis, putting him at the helm of the country.
Resigns as Taoiseach
Resigns following economic crisis and political turmoil, severely damaging his reputation and diminishing his wealth.
Retires from Politics
Retired from politics after the Fianna Fáil's historic loss.
Largely Retired
Largely withdrawn from public life.
Last updated: February 25, 2026