Harney expresses 'total support' for Taoiseach

MINISTER FOR Health Mary Harney said Taoiseach Brian Cowen had her “total support”.

Speaking for the first time about the controversy surrounding events at the Fianna Fáil think-in and Mr Cowen’s radio performance, Ms Harney said the media should “move on” from the story.

“He’s a fantastic chairman of the Cabinet, totally engaged across all Government departments. I think the events of last week are behind him. We have to move forward and return this country to economic growth. That’s what he’s focused on and that’s what I’m focused on,” Ms Harney said. Asked if she had any concerns that Mr Cowen’s lifestyle could impact on his ability to do his job, she said: “no I do not”. Asked if he had her support, she said: “total support, yes.”

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern dismissed the story as a “storm in a teacup” and said he did not think there was any ongoing controversy.Asked if Mr Cowen had his support, Mr Ahern said: “Of course he has.”

Mr Ahern said “keeping on top” of economic issues would be a big challenge for Mr Cowen, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan and the entire Government. “They’ve a lot of work to do and they just need to concentrate on that. Sideshows are not really important.”

Mr Ahern said he was not picking up concerns about Mr Cowen’s leadership from other backbenchers. “No, no, just from the media . . . as usual.” Asked why he believed he had not been criticised in such a manner when he was taoiseach, Mr Ahern laughed and said: “Now, well see I was the most devious, cunning of them all.”

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said the controversy was “all finished and done with” and Minister of State for Education and Skills Seán Haughey said he had no concerns about Mr Cowen’s leadership.

“I think the controversy in relation to the ‘Morning Ireland’ interview, we need to put that behind us. I think the Taoiseach has dealt comprehensively with it and I think it is now time to move on,” Mr Haughey said.

“I’m quite sure that the parliamentary party recognise that in view of the press conference yesterday by the Taoiseach and [Minister for Finance] Brian Lenihan it’s time to move on.”

Mr Haughey said his constituents were “not that concerned about personalities”. Ms Harney, Mr Ahern, Mr Dempsey and Mr Haughey were speaking at the Grangegorman site in Dublin.

Earlier, Minister of State for Science Conor Lenihan referred to Mr Cowen’s “capability”. Launching Eczema Awareness Week in Dublin city centre, Mr Lenihan said: “I’ve always been of the position . . . that I as a Minister would support the Taoiseach of the day and it’s very much a matter for the Taoiseach of the day to decide himself”.

Meanwhile, Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív, speaking at the National Ploughing Championships, said he had heard no demands from backbenchers for a meeting of the parliamentary party, as had been suggested by former chief whip Tom Kitt.