Speculation continues over Cowen's plans

THE NEW leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, would not be drawn on whether he would ask his predecessor as party leader, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, to contest the general election.

Speculation about Mr Cowen’s intentions continued yesterday ahead of the Fianna Fáil Laois-Offaly selection convention scheduled for Tuesday.

Mr Martin said people were entitled to some time to make up their minds.

“I’m not going to go through any one individual no matter who that individual is. I think people are entitled to their space, entitled to their decision-making process, and what normally happens in situations like this is that there be a decent one-to-one conversation in terms of individual personalities and candidates.”

Mr Martin said he would deal with election strategy and candidates later, and “look at the various tickets that are in place and are not in place”. He would hold discussions with candidates and Deputies across the country.

Minister for Transport and Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey yesterday said he did not know what Mr Cowen’s intentions were, but he hoped the Taoiseach would run again.

“I’d be inclined to think that he’ll remain on. I just don’t know. He’s given certainly no indication that I can detect that he intends standing down.”

Mr Carey said Mr Cowen had “vast experience” that “will come to very good use”, and it would be a “great loss” if he was not a member of the next Dáil.

“But at the end of the day it’ll be his own decision, and I presume that he’ll make that decision over the next couple of days one way or the other.”

The Taoiseach’s constituency party colleagues, Minister of State John Moloney and Seán Fleming, both last night said they did not know if Mr Cowen would contest the election.

Mr Cowen was asked if he would be contesting the election at a press conference following his resignation as Fianna Fáil leader last weekend. He said he would consult with his family and supporters in Laois-Offaly, adding: “I hope to do so.”

Mr Cowen’s brother, Cllr Barry Cowen, has been tipped locally to contest if the Taoiseach steps down as a TD. However, he has expressed optimism the Taoiseach will run again.

Mr Cowen, who turned 51 recently, was formerly a solicitor.