Offaly Fianna Fáil commemorates Brian Cowen"s elevation to Taoiseach

Over 500 Offaly Fianna Fáil members attended a function to officially mark Brian Cowen"s election as Uachtaráin of the party and Taoiseach, in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday night. Hosted by Offaly Comhairle Dail Cheantar the atmosphere at the event was decidedly upbeat with speakers paying tribute to An Taoiseach for his contribution to Offaly, to the Fianna Fáil party and to the country. The impressive gathering, each of whom had accessed tickets through the units of the organisation throughout the county, was officially welcomed by Offaly"s first citizen, Barry Cowen - Chairman of Offaly County Council. Councilor Cowen spoke about the requirements of leadership in terms of integrity and decisive action rather than it being related to beauty pageants and sound bites. Welcoming everyone to the function, Cllr Cowen remarked: 'Let history recall that we marked this significant event in a manner befitting the achievement of one of our own'. Fianna Fáil General Secretary, Sean Dorgan put Brian Cowen"s achievement into a national context, congratulating him on becoming the party"s seventh leader and our country"s twelfth Taoiseach. He revealed the reforming nature of Brian Cowen"s leadership, already apparent within Fianna Fáil, and wished the Taoiseach continued success on behalf of the organisation. Padraig Boland as chair of Offaly CDC acted as MC for the night. His introduction of An Taoiseach highlighted Brian Cowen"s contribution to Offaly"s economic, sporting and cultural life. ' Offaly, has been progressed in tandem with Brian Cowen"s accession through the political ranks from poor relation - in terms of government funding and support for local initiatives - to being the envy of our neighbours'. Using a hurling analogy Padraig expressed confidence that when the final whistle blew on this Government in 2012 Brian Cowen would again be feted as the country"s finest politician - 'the only member of the political establishment with the capacity and the courage to lead Ireland out of a global recession, with our worthy traditional values restored and the re-creation of a sustainable economic future for all the country"s children'. Picking up on the themes of previous speakers, the Taoiseach spoke of integrity and honesty as being core elements of his leadership. He recalled the founders of Fianna Fáil and the environment in which the party came into being. He spoke of sacrifice and the Irish people"s traditional capacity to overcome difficulties emerging more united and enhanced as a result of working closely together. The core of his message was the need for teamwork in delivering responses to the global economic climate. 'The best way forward is for us to focus on doing our job properly, even if that means making hard choices. Put simply, we must do what is right... In every community, at every level, we must offer responsible leadership rooted in the best patriotic traditions of this national movement. Our platform is clear. No matter how difficult the decisions, Fianna Fáil will act decisively in the long-term interests of current and future generations of Irish citizens.' An Taoiseach was joined on-stage by his family, Mary, Sinead and Maebh and Offaly Fianna Fáil presented them with a portrait of the Cowen family on his return to the county in May "07. Padraig Boland explained that local artist Siobhan McCormack had been commissioned by the organisation at local level to produce the piece. Sinead Dooley also presented Mary Cowen with a floral bouquet. Simon Casey and his band ensured that the Tullamore Court Hotel floorboards were well tested in an engaging performance, the highlight of which was his duet with An Taoiseach of "The Town I Love So Well". Organising committee for the event included: Stephen Mather, Sean Halligan, Paul Stephenson, Shane Murray, Sinead Dooley and Padraig Boland.