Cowley for Europe?

Cowley may resurrect political career in Europe

Michael Commins
 
COULD Dr Jerry Cowley try and make a political comeback through the European Elections in 2009? It’s a thought that must surely be weighing on his mind in the aftermath of his defeat in the General Election back in May.
In an opinion poll conducted prior to the last European Elections in 2004 which contained Dr Cowley’s name, he emerged as poll topper. In many ways, it is much easier to win votes in a European Election which people approach with a totally different view than when casting their votes in a General Election.
Dana Rosemary Scallon and Marian Harkin have proven there is a huge vote for independent candidates on the European Constituency trail and a well structured campaign by Cowley could see him launch a serious bid for a seat next time around. Outgoing MEP Marian Harkin would certainly be under pressure should Cowley declare his intentions to contest the election.
Of crucial importance in making such a decision could be the outcome of the Constituencies Review Commission who are currently deliberating on boundary changes for the next General Election as well as for the European election.
The 26 counties had 13 seats in the European Parliament for the past few elections but that has been reduced to just 12 for 2009. The current scenario sees Dublin with four seats, while the Munster, Leinster and North West constituencies (formerly Connacht-Ulster) have three each.
There are two options available to the Commission. Reduce Dublin to three seats and slightly adjust the boundaries with Leinster. Alternatively, they could create three new four-seater constituencies. One will take in Dublin, Louth, and parts of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. The other two would comprise roughly north and south of a line drawn from Dublin to Limerick.
If the Commission opt for three 4-seat constituencies, Jerry Cowley could be very seriously tempted to mount a campaign across the region. It would be a fascinating challenge for the doctor cum barrister who may now see this route as the most viable one to return to the political stage.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if Michael Ring continues to keep his party guessing in relation to his intentions. Jim Higgins is the outgoing MEP and he looks almost certain to seek a second term in Brussels. Ring has decided to keep his options open on this one and there could be interesting times ahead in Fine Gael.
Another question hangs over the European election in this region. Could Dana contemplate a comeback? She was very close to retaining her seat in 2004.  With a new book due for publication around Christmas, she will be back in the news big time again. She continues to maintain a high profile and is still a formidable figure on the European constituency stage.