LAOIS-OFFALY:THE COWEN political dynasty looked secure last night as the Taoiseach's brother, Barry Cowen, was poised to take a seat in the five-seat Laois/Offaly constituency.
The Offaly County Council chairman, auctioneer and greyhound track manager looked a sure bet as he prepared to take up the mantle where his brother Brian and late father Ber had left off.
Mr Cowen credited his brother and father with his success in the election: “The Cowen brand is strong, remains strong when it can garner 8,500 votes despite what some Dublin commentators called toxic, the Cowen brand is not toxic down here,” he said.
“On a more personal level he has obviously contributed greatly to the canvass . . . a lot of people felt an allegiance was owed to me on the basis of his performance,” added Mr Cowen.
Although progress was slow on day three in the count centre, with a recount from Sunday evening continuing until after 8pm last night, a clear picture was beginning to emerge as counting resumed.
Fine Gael’s Charlie Flanagan, who was first across the line on the eighth count on Sunday, retained his position following the recount.
Sinn Féin’s Brian Stanley was close behind and seemed certain to clinch a seat for the party, the first in Laois/Offaly in 78 years.
Another Fianna Fáil political dynasty came to an end in Laois-Offaly with the departure of former junior health minister John Moloney. The publican and undertaker was eliminated on the eleventh count.
Fine Gael’s Marcella Corcoran Kennedy was on track to take a seat. The Birr woman will step into the shoes of former Offaly TD Olwyn Enright.
The final seat is likely to return to outgoing TD Seán Fleming although his Fianna Fáil colleague John Moloney and Labour’s John Whelan were staying the distance last night.