Offaly?s first Taoiseach!

Offaly?s Brian Cowen is a racing certainty to be the new leader of Fianna Fail and the first Offaly-born leader of the country.

Bookies are quoting almost unbackable odds on the Clara native replacing Bertie Ahern whose bombshell decision to resign has catapulted Cowen into the political forefront.

With potential challengers falling like ninepins in the last day or so, it?s now almost inconceivable that the Tullamore resident will not now be crowned leader of the party.

However, the current Minister for Finance and Tanaiste is keeping his cards close to his chest at present.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent yesterday, Brian Cowen said he would formally announce his intentions regarding the leadership of Fianna Fail and Ireland today (Friday).

Minister Cowen told the Offaly Independent yesterday that out of respect he could not talk about his plans until the National Executive of Fianna Fail met. That meeting, to decide what process to adopt in filling the vacancy when Bertie Ahern resigns on May 6, took place yesterday evening at 7pm.

“My official position today is I?m considering my position,” he told the Offaly Independent yesterday.

Minister Cowen said he was “very heartened” by the level of support from the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, and appreciated the messages of support “from all levels throughout the country” encouraging him to go forward to contest becoming Ireland?s next Taoiseach.

He concluded that he was very grateful for the confidence being expressed in his candidacy, if he decides to go forward.

Already, potential challengers Mary Hanafin and Brian Lenihan have indicated they will not be seeking the leadership, while Noel Dempsey is believed to be unlikely to challenge. Bar the gauntlet been thrown down by an unexpected source, an unlikely event in a party that cherishes unity, Dermot Ahern, current Minister for Foreign Affairs, is the only one who could still threaten what is looking like an inevitable Cowen victory.

Already, there has been a massive public reaction across Offaly to Cowen?s possible elevation. Given that his personal vote in the last general election was the largest in the country, that?s not surprising.

Colleagues like Cllr Eamon Dooley and Cllr Tom Feighery have this week expressed their confidence in Cowen?s leadership abilities, while former political opponent Tom Parlon and current opposition Dail member Olwyn Enright have both accepted that he is likely to be the new leader of the country.

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Eamonn Dooley predicted yesterday that Brian Cowen?s “hour has come”, while Cllr Feighery said Minister Cowen?s integrity and gravitas make him the only choice for the job.

Parlon said: “When I was his Junior Minister we always had a good working relationship,” Mr Parlon said yesterday. “Any time I?ve approached him I?ve always found him very practical, level-headed and easy to talk to,” he added. “That?s important now - good solid leadership.”

He added he?d always had “the height of respect” for Bertie Ahern, finding him accessible, a good communicator and not flashy.

“Brian Cowen has a lot of those traits,” he said yesterday, adding that Mr Cowen as a Taoiseach would be well grounded with a lot of common sense.

Deputy Enright agreed yesterday it looks like the leadership will be uncontested and Offaly?s Brian Cowen will become Ireland?s next Taoiseach.