Fianna Fáil MEP calls for 'frank review' of party's presidential candidate selection process

Vivienne Clarke

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen is calling for a “full and frank review” of the process through which the party decided on a candidate for the presidential election.

Mr Cowen told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland that he had not been satisfied with the lack of transparency and structure in the process in the months leading up to the decision.

“There was little transparency or structure, the leadership seemed to believe from the outset that no current or former Fianna Fáil TD or minister, for example, could come forward and could win, so they looked outside.

"But there has to be a proper open and robust process, and I would hope that a recommendation would also emanate from such a meeting tomorrow night to make recommendations to an Ard Feis for a more inclusive process that allows councillors and party members the opportunity to engage in a procedure and a process and own the resulting nomination, which wasn't the case this time.”

Mr Cowen said he understood Micheál Martin’s wish to “reach beyond the party base”, but in doing so he “may have lost sight of the talent and the experience already within Fianna Fáil and the benefits that would accrue as part of nominating from within.

“It was always going to be harder, for example, to motivate the grassroots for someone that the party was less familiar with.

"So when a contest did finally emerge between Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin, what really disappointed me personally was the rush to engage in a public tally of counter-parliamentary voting intentions in the media before the actual meeting took place.”

Mr Cowen said he had voted for Billy Kelleher having worked closely with the Cork MEP for years.

“I knew that his ability to engage with the public, to handle scrutiny, clearly articulate his ideas and those of the party.

"I didn't know Jim Gavin personally, he came highly recommended, as has been alluded to, fine credentials in relation to his time in the GAA with the defence forces, his charity work. But the scrutiny involved in entering a case like this is unforgiving.”

Mr Cowen said the issue of timelines in the Jim Gavin case, “who knew what and when” was concerning and something that he expected to the scrutinised and interrogated by a committee that would be set up as a result of the parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday night.

Recommendations would then be sent to the parliamentary party on what actions, if necessary, should be taken, he added.

When asked who he would not vote for in the presidential election, Mr Cowen said: “I respect Catherine Connolly's authenticity, for example, her willingness to articulate a vision, something that might be lacking in recent times in politics to tell the truth, but I fundamentally disagree with her on issues that are vital to Ireland's place in the world and a role in Europe and international trade and diplomacy.

“The President represents Ireland internationally and comments such as hers that she's made in recent times can undermine their partners.”

Mr Cowen said he would be voting for Heather Humphreys, but would not be recommending or expecting other members of Fianna Fáil to do so.