Brian Cowen ( born 10 January 1960 ) was the Taoiseach ( prime minister ) of the Republic of Ireland . He became the taoiseach on 7 May 2008 , after Bertie Ahern , he resigned after losing a general election on 9 March 2011 . Brian Cowen ( born 10 January 1960 ) is an Irish politician and former Teachta DÃ la who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 7 May 2008 to 9 March 2011 .