TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen announced the end of his 27-year political career last night, confirming that he was stepping down as a TD.
Mr Cowen said his proudest moment in office was playing a part in the Northern Ireland peace process. He said he had no future plans but would be playing an active part canvassing for Fianna Fáil in the forthcoming general election.
The Taoiseach refused to reveal the date of the general election, insisting on observing the convention under which he will dissolve the Dáil this afternoon and announce the next sitting date for the house.
Mr Cowen also refused to comment on strong speculation that his brother, Barry, would now seek the Fianna Fáil nomination in the Laois-Offaly constituency, which holds its selection convention tonight.
Paying tribute to the Taoiseach, newly-elected Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said: “He has given a high example in public service and he is a politician who has been motivated by the common good.”
The Taoiseach made his announcement on the Tullamore-based radio station Midlands 103FM, saying he had consulted with his family before arriving at his final choice.
Speaking in an emotional voice, the Taoiseach thanked the voters in his constituency for their support which, he said, had enabled him to enjoy a lengthy career during which he had attained high office.
Asked by interviewer Gearóid Keegan if he would give details of his discussion with his family, Mr Cowen replied bluntly: “No.” He said a decision such as this was made with “a heavy heart” and he added: “It’s a momentous decision for me.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Cowen said that, with the benefit of hindsight, it was easy to criticise the economic decisions he had made but he was satisfied that his integrity and good name were intact.
Dwelling at length on his role in relation to Northern Ireland he said it was a source of great satisfaction to have helped bring an end to a conflict which had been going on since his early youth and in which “over three thousand people had died”.
A solicitor by profession, Mr Cowen said he had not come to any decisions about his future activities outside politics.
He continued to insist that there was nothing improper in his game of golf with Anglo Irish Bank executives in 2008, before the crisis in that institution emerged.
“It was simply a golf game,” he said. Asked if they had discussed the financial position of the bank, he said: “We didn’t.” He said: “It was a great privilege to serve as a TD.” He wanted to thank the people of Laois-Offaly “for the wonderful support and the opportunity it gave to me”.
In addition to serving as Taoiseach since May 2008, Mr Cowen has occupied other ministerial roles since 1992, including finance, foreign affairs, health, labour and transport.
He told reporters he had discussed his decision in a constructive way with Mr Martin, who had made it clear it was a matter for Mr Cowen.
Refusing to accept that Fianna Fáil would suffer heavy losses in the general election, he pointed out that: “Campaigns matter. In the last campaign, we were on 30 per cent but we ended up with 41.6 per cent.”
In a statement issued by the party press office, he said: “I am humbled by and grateful for the many messages of support I have received.
“The genuine decency and warmth of people in this country is one of our finest traits and long may that be so. Buíochas ó chroí libh.
“Having considered the situation with my family, close colleagues and friends over the past number of days, I have decided not to put my name forward for selection as a candidate in the Laois-Offaly constituency for the forthcoming election.
“Although I am conscious that the Laois-Offaly Fianna Fáil organisation’s support remains available to me, they also made it clear that the decision rests with me and my family and that they will respect that decision. I thank them for their understanding and their solidarity.”