Barry Cowen celebrates Eid with Muslim community in Laois

Barry Cowen TD, European Election Candidate in the Midlands North West, has praised the Muslim community in Laois after joining them for Eid on Wednesday.

Deputy Cowen joined  local election candidate Naeem Iqbal to mark the day of celebration in Mountmellick and Portarlington, which sees Muslims end their Ramadan fasts.

"I appreciate the warm welcome from Naeem, our local Fianna Fáil candidate for Portlaoise and the rest of the Muslim communities in Portarlington earlier today," Deputy Cowen said.

"It's hugely important that we engage with the Muslim community to ensure integration throughout the Midlands North West region.

Deputy Cowen hosted the first of a series of Town Hall meetings across the Midlands North West constituency on Wednesday night on 'Why Europe Matters' at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone.