Cowen cool on FF, FG and Green coalition
FIANNA Fáil frontbencher Barry Cowen last night threw cold water on the growing momentum towards a Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party grand coalition.
Speaking exclusively to the Irish Mail on Sunday, he pointed out that the final decision on any coalition would be one for a special Ard Fheis.
‘I’m continuing to take soundings and will be consulting with the Offaly organisation this week formally, notwithstanding the authority Micheál Martin has from the parliamentary party,’ he said.
‘Ultimately it will take a decision of the membership to accept any recommendation about entering government.
‘I accept the decision of the parliamentary party to allow them to talk etc, but reserve judgement on any decision to enter government.’
A fired-up Cowen also hit out at Sinn Féin and the putative Left alliance – questioning why they had given up on their mandate for change so quickly.
‘I would’ve thought Sinn Féin and the Left would’ve reached an agreement as to a realistic programme for government, one which would have been cognisant of public finances and one which reflects reality rather than the fantasies contained in their manifesto,’ he added.
‘The public would then at least have a better insight into the prospect of their actions in government rather than being left wondering if they could have lived up to the expectations of all those that voted and gave subsequent preferences to Sinn Féin and left-leaning parties and independents.’
When Cowen was asked if he’d like to be a member of cabinet in a new coalition, he replied: “I would indeed, in the right circumstances and especially if I could point to my party’s endorsement by the electorate.
‘I’m not driven by the prospect of getting higher office. I’m driven by ensuring that every effort is made to ensure the public get what they voted for and that every effort is exhausted to do that. I’m greatly appreciative of the job I got from the electorate of Laois Offaly, especially when one thinks of the many colleagues that didn’t get elected to Dáil Éireann.’