Brian Cowen (Irish: Brian Ó Comhain, born 10 January 1960) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. He took office on 7 May 2008, heading a coalition government led by his Fianna Fáil party that includes the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, with the support of independent TDs.

He has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the constituency of Laois-Offaly since 1984. He previously served as Minister for Labour (1992–1993), Minister for Energy (1993), Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (1993–1994), Minister for Health and Children (1997–2000), Minister for Foreign Affairs (2000–2004) and Minister for Finance (2004–2008). He served as Tánaiste from 2007 to 2008. He became leader of Fianna Fáil on the resignation of Bertie Ahern. On 7 May 2008 following the resignation of Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, Cowen was nominated in the Dáil and elected Taoiseach.

Brian Cowen was born in Clara, County Offaly on 10 January 1960. He grew up at the family home at Finglas. He is the son of Bernard and May Cowen. His father, Bernard Cowen, was a former Fianna Fáil TD and Senator. The family owned a public house in Clara town, located adjacent to the family home. His father also worked as an auctioneer. From an early age, Brian Cowen frequently worked as a barman in his father's pub. He has two brothers – Christopher and Barry. His brother, Barry, is also involved in politics and is a Fianna Fáil Councillor on Offaly County Council. His other brother, Christopher, is a publican (who, Revenue discovered, had failed to pay taxes), runs the family Pub and is the oldest of the Cowen brothers. The old Cowen family home and Pub are soon to be demolished to make way for a new development.