Cowen wins clash of FF dynasties to secure Euro poll nod
FORMER minister for agriculture Barry Cowen has secured the party’s nomination to contest the European election in the Midlands-North-West constituency.
In a clash of two Fianna Fáil dynasties, the Cowens came out on top over Niall Blaney in the new-look constituency that has seen Laois-Offaly absorbed into it.
Mr Cowen TD was favourite to secure the nomination but came up against an impressive campaign from Senator Blaney that came close to causing a shock upset.
Voting took place in four centres – Athenry, Co. Galway; Sligo; Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; and Navan, Co. Meath – with 2,445 votes cast by party members. After the first ballot, Mr Cowen had secured 894 votes compared to Mr Blaney’s 803 and 570 for Senator Lisa Chambers.
After Ms Chambers’s votes were distributed, Mr Cowen had a total of 1,142 compared to Mr Blaney’s 1,071.
Mr Cowen’s family is steeped in party politics; his brother, former taoiseach Brian Cowen, was in attendance at last night’s convention, while his late father Bernard Cowen was a TD and junior minister. Also, his grandfather Christy Cowen was a councillor in Offaly and a member of the Fianna Fáil national executive. Former taoiseach Brian received a standing ovation from party delegates. Mr Blaney’s family is also steeped in Fianna Fáil history; his father Harry Blaney, grandfather Neal and uncle Neil all preceded him as TDs. ‘It’s not a bad thing when you’re just 65 votes behind a Cowen,’ said Senator Blaney after the result was declared. After securing the candidacy, Mr Cowen said it was ‘a great honour and privilege’ to be selected and pledged to ‘ensure Fianna Fáil wins back a seat’ in the constituency.
The party now faces a decision on whether to add another candidate to the ticket.
Speaking at the convention last night, Fianna Fáil TD for Longford-Westmeath Robert Troy urged the party to ‘finalise the ticket without delay’, adding: ‘We have to capitalise on the energy and enthusiasm that was in every booth today for the next 14 weeks.’