Portarlington based politician loses out in General Election bid

Fianna Fáil members in Offaly have opted against selecting a Portarlington-based councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick as its candidate in the race to replace Barry Cownen in the Dáil.

Instead, the party has selected Tullamore man Cllr Tony McCormack to contest the next general election at the selection convention in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Monday, October 23.

From Cloneyhurke just outside Port, Cllr Fitzpatrick had hoped to contest his second General Election for the party. His chances were boosted when Cllr Claire Murray, Rhode, withdrew beforehand to give Cllr Fitzpatrick a clear run.

However Cllr McCormack defeated Cllrs Eddie Fitzpatrick, Cloneyhurke and Cllr Peter Ormond, Shinrone.

It will be the first time for Cllr McCormack to contest a general election. A Tullamore-based businessman who runs a printing enterprise, he was comfortably re-elected to the council during the summer and is the current Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council.

Addressing the convention after Cllr McCormack's selection was announced, Cllr Murray said she was hopeful a second candidate will be added from the Edenderry area.

She said she had pulled out so that Cllr Fitzpatrick would receive “every possible vote” from the Edenderry Area.

“I thought he deserved every possible chance to win this convention,” said Cllr Murray, recalling that the Edenderry area had not had a sitting TD since Ger Connolly in 1997.

Cllr Fitzpatrick, in his remarks to those gathered in the DEW Williams suite, thanked Cllr Murray and said he would be asking that he be given another chance to run again.

“North Offaly has certainly been left behind for a long number of years,” he stated, confirming that he believed the party could win two seats in Offaly.

Cllr Ormond called on party supporters to unite behind Cllr McCormack. “We've had some great candidates in the past, some great representation... so the onus is now falling on Cllr McCormack.”

In his speech, Cllr McCormack thanked those who voted for him and his family who supported him. “I know that if I'm elected I will follow in the footsteps of great men,” he said.

He said it was very humbling for him to be selected by his peers. “The hard work starts tomorrow morning. We must go forward as a united county and a united party,” said the Tullamore man.

“It's only by working as a team we'll win the seat.”

The MEP hailed the “progress” made by the current Government in the face of Brexit, a cost of living crisis and other challenges.

He said further progress would be made on housing and said the supports for agriculture should be retained.

Mr Cowen referred to “republican ideals” such as those of ensuring “work is rewarded” and that those who can't help themselves are supported.

“That's the sort of republican ethos that has held us in good stead. That's the sort of republican ethos that allows you to be in a position to ensure that we elect councillors across the county, that we elect representatives that can go to the Dail, that can contribute to policy, that can contribute to government.”

He said Fianna Fail members get into politics to make the country better, not to be in opposition for opposition's sake.

He said the aim would have to be to win a second seat in Offaly. “We're a party of government. We're a party that wants to lead government. You have to remember, we won more seats than anyone else in the local elections. We doubled our seats in the European elections.”

Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen did not address the convention but as he left he remarked: “The ball is in, the game is on.”

There are three seats in the Offaly Dail constituency and Fianna Fail will, at the very least, be hoping to retain the seat vacated by Clara man Barry Cowen following his election to the European Parliament this summer.

The next Dail election, which could take place as soon as November or as late as next spring, will be the first one without the Cowen name on the ballot paper since 1965.

The late Ber Cowen was first elected in 1969 and after his sudden death in 1984, his son Brian entered the Dail when he won the by-election.

Brian Cowen went on to become a government minister and Taoiseach and when he retired from politics in 2011 his younger brother Barry held the seat.