'I miss all the craic with elections': Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen visits Offaly count centre

Retired Taoiseach Brian Cowen enjoyed a glimpse into his former life as a politician when he paid a surprise visit to the local elections count centre in Mucklagh on Sunday eventing last.

Brian, accompanied by his wife, Mary and daughter Sinead, was greeted by former Fianna Fail party colleagues as well as opposition figures including retired Fine Gael TD, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy.

Speaking to the Tribune, Brian said he was following the count and the tallies.

"There are a lot of outstanding people on all sides being returned, new people as well as long established councillors."

He added that he was at the centre to congratulate as well as to commiserate with those who had lost out.

"They are all in good form. The campaign was a good one here in Offaly and as always well behaved. In Offaly we have a very civil relationships with each other and I never had too much aggro which is good."

Asked about his brother Barry's fortunes in the Euro elections, Brian said there had been some indications that he was going well.

"We'll have to wait for the first count and then see what the transfer situation is."