Brian Cowen not to contend Laois-Offaly seat at the general election. (http://bit.ly/fEUTuM )
The Taoiseach announced last night that he would not be standing for re-election at the general election.
Mr Cowen advised Midlands radio, “It was not a question of Micheal [Martin, recently elected Fianna Fail leader] expecting me to stand aside”
In a statement issued last night Mr Cowen thanked Fianna Fail for their support and for acknowledging the decision to leave rested with him, noting, “they [Fianna Fail] will respect that decision.”
His pronouncement brings to a close a turbulent career at the top of Irish politics. Catapulted to the Premiership uncontested, after Bertie Ahern resigned in 2008, Cowen made headlines for admitting to smoking marijuana as a student, quipping, “Unlike President Clinton, I did inhale.”
The Taoiseach’s latter period of office was blighted by the worst financial crisis in Ireland’s history, accusations Mr Cowen had an improper relationship with the chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, and allegations, repeated worldwide, that he had appeared drunk on a radio interview in Galway.
Cowen lost effective control of his government, despite winning a confidence vote, in the face of vocal opposition from Micheal Martin. A spate of profile cabinet resignations after Cowen’s pyrrhic victory preceded the Taoiseach resigning as Fianna Fail leader on 22nd January.
The Taoiseach is now expected to dissolve the Dail today and announce the date for the general election.
The total number of Fianna Fail deputies not seeking re-election has increased to 25. Micheal Martin asked Noel O’Flynn, an outspoken critic of Cowen, not to run on Sunday. O’Flynn and Niall Blaney subsequently announced their intention not to stand for Fianna Fail again. Deputy Blaney claimed personal reasons were behind his decision not to stand.
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