Clare’s Fianna Fáil TDs back their boss

CLARE’S two sitting Fianna Fáil TDs and Dr John Hillery, who is set to run for the Soldier’s of Destiny in the upcoming general election, have all backed the decision to allow An Taoiseach Brian Cowen to continue leading the party.

Defence Minister Tony Killeen said Mr Cowen had a lot of support among party members and has a track record of strong performances in general election campaigns.
“A test was the reaction at the convention last week. When his decision not to stand down was announced on Sunday, there was a standing ovation and there were around 500 people there.
“Another test was his performance in the last general election. Things were going downhill for us but his intervention turned things around,” he said.
He says he is confident that Fianna Fáil will do better in the election than is currently expected because he feels other parties will shortly come under pressure to explain and defend their policies.
Deputy Timmy Dooley also said he felt leaving Mr Cowen in place was the right option.
“Everyone in Fianna Fáil is very disappointed with our current poll ratings. The question this week was now that we are in the throes of an election campaign, are we better as we are or should we make a superficial change, that doesn’t change policy direction?”
He said that changing the leader wouldn’t greatly affect the party’s prospects.
“There are major issues regardless of who is the leader, we have problems with mortgage debt, unemployment. The electorate are very intelligent and changing faces will not enhance or reduce the party’s prospects.”
He said the meeting at which Mr Cowen prevailed had been “very cordial and very respectful”.
Dr Hillery also backed the decision of the parliamentary party not to call time on Mr Cowen.
“What the country wants to see is consistency and people working on the issues as they present themselves. To change the Taoiseach at this time would not be a good idea,” he commented.