"You didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to tell if you held an opinion poll last week the government wasn’t going to be very popular." So said Brian Cowen, speaking to Jason O'Toole after his government announced one of the toughest budgets in recent history.

In the new Hot Press, Cowen talks about the difficulties of being in government during the current economic climate: "Next year looks like a particularly difficult year internationally. There’s financial turmoil out there, from which we cannot go on thinking we are immune."

We also find out why so-called 'fat cats' weren't targeted in the budget, why he's considering bringing in third level fees, and what he thinks of US president elect Barack Obama.

Also in the new Hot Press: Snow Patrol's two day, four city tour; Duke Special on "struggling with the mediocrity that getting older brings"; Johnny Marr on the new Smiths release; Tara Brady meets Jessica Biel, and we've a free Oxjam CD featuring Lisa Hannigan, Jape, The Coronas and 15 more!

*The new Hot Press is in shops now, priced €3.50.