Standing by his man

Calleary to stand by Cowen


Ballina TD stays loyal to Taoiseach as Flanagan opts out

Aíne Ryan

TOUTED already in some quarters as a future leader of Fianna FΡil, Junior Minister, Dara Calleary last night categorically confirmed he will stand firmly by Taoiseach Brian Cowen at this evening’s secret confidence vote proposed by his embattled party leader. The minutiae of the Ballina deputy’s response last night, however, are perhaps augury of how tentative conditions really are for the Soldiers of Destiny, with ratings at a dismal and ominous 14 per cent, as a bloodbath of a General Election looms. 
“I have great regard for MicheΡl [Martin] but on this occasion, I will be supporting Brian Cowen,” Deputy Calleary said. Tellingly, he repeated ‘on this occasion’ when questioned by The Mayo News.
He continued: “I spoke to Brian Cowen at length on Friday and I am happy he will run a good election campaign. At this time, we must maintain our focus on the economy and a leadership challenge is not helpful.”
From a local perspective, when asked by The Mayo News about the aborted decision of former GAA footballer, Dermot Flanagan to put his name on the Fianna FΡil ticket, Deputy Calleary expressed his disappointment at the barrister’s change of heart and stressed he was in favour of a multi-candidate strategy in the constituency and throughout the country.
He categorically said he was not looking for a sweeper to gain those vital transfers.
“This is a very big county and for the sake of the organisation and for equitable representation for constituents, it is the best strategy. I want us to aim for a second seat, even though I know that will be difficult,” he said. 
Deputy Calleary (pictured) said he was encouraged by selection conventions he had  addressed in both Donegal and Galway in the last week.
“I was heartened by the large turnouts in both Donegal and Galway and also there has been great support at the local cumann meetings in the Ballina area recently,” he continued.
Adding a note of caution, he warned: “There is no safe seat though. If people want me back in the DΡil, they are going to have to come out and vote for me.”
Meanwhile, longtime Fianna FΡil county councillor, Al McDonnell told The Mayo News he did not have strong feelings about the vote, or MicheΡl Martin’s move.
“I know a great deal about Brian Cowen and if I was a TD tomorrow I would be voting for him. He has tremendous qualities and integrity. I understand though that the public perception is different, can be the diametric opposite and must be acknowledged. I understand also that MicheΡl Martin is trying to appease the public and the taoiseach,” Cllr McDonnell said last night.
“I know that in the cut-and-thrust of an election campaign Cowen will come into his own. Again, he is a man of integrity and he may have met Sean Fitzpatrick and other bankers but I am sure the man did not compromise himself. It’s part of his job, to meet such people. The man has 40 engagements a week, that doesn’t mean that each meeting is about cronyism,” he continued.
Referring to the omens for Fianna FΡil locally, Cllr McDonnell said he hoped Dara Calleary would be returned as ‘he has been an outstanding representative’.
“It would be a great shame if Dara Calleary was not re-elected. I don’t know how difficult the election will be, but I think that Fianna FΡil will fight back at the end of the day. I think our national average will rise to the 20s. At this moment in time, morale may be low, but it is quite different having-a-go at the government or making a protest vote at local elections,” Cllr McDonnell also said.
He added: “I think Fianna FΡil supporters realise it is very important to have a strong opposition in the DΡil and, even though there was anger, they also realise that the tough, unpalatable decisions had to be made.

Flanagan withdraws from contest
BARRISTER Dermot Flanagan (pictured) made a statement yesterday afternoon (Monday) explaining his withdrawal from the General Election selection process for Fianna FΡil in County Mayo. He cited professional grounds and expressed his personal disappointment.
He stated:  “On Friday 14 January, I announced my intention to seek  a Fianna FΡil nomination as a candidate in the General Election.  As stated, this was based on consultations with elected party members in Mayo,  which commenced on Tuesday 11 January and was made when information of those ongoing consultations began to be publicly known.
“Having returned to my home  at the weekend,  it has emerged that  professional commitments,  in which I am exclusively retained as sole Counsel,  preclude me from now seeking that nomination as a candidate in what will be a lengthy and arduous campaign,” he continued.
Mr Flanagan’s father, Sean was a TD from 1951 to 1977 and an MEP from 1979 to 1989. He served as Minister for Health and Minister for Lands.
Dermot Flanagan excelled as a Mayo footballer and All-Star, first representing the county at minor level in 1979. He played for the Senior Team from 1982 until 1997 winning three All-Ireland runners up medals, seven Connacht medals and was the recipient of two All-Star Awards in 1985 and 1989.   He held the record number of 122 appearances at Senior Level for the County until surpassed recently by James Nallen.
About his possible candidacy, he said just last Friday that ‘in putting his name forward, he was influenced by the desire within the Fianna FΡil organisation and the wider community for strong representation at a time of challenge for the county and country
“While it might not be considered a good time to face the electorate as a Fianna FΡil candidate, I am confident that I can address the real concerns of people and demonstrate the capability and leadership necessary to serve the people of Mayo in the challenges ahead ‘  he said.