BRIAN LENIHAN:MINISTER FOR Finance Brian Lenihan said yesterday he respected the fact that many TDs did not want to make a public declaration about their voting intentions in the Fianna Fáil leadership contest.
“But I am encouraged by the considerable numbers in my parliamentary party who have privately committed their support, and I look forward to the opportunity of making my case for the leadership at the parliamentary party meeting tomorrow.”
He was glad, he said, that the contest was civilised and professional and, although short, had presented TDs with the opportunity for a comprehensive examination of the challenges facing the country.
“I am confident that it will invigorate our party and galvanise our membership as we go into the election,” said Mr Lenihan.
The Minister thanked Minister of State Seán Connick and backbench TD Thomas Byrne (Meath East), for proposing and seconding his nomination.
“Both deputies are part of the next generation with whom I want to work in the process of rebuilding and reshaping our party,” he added.
“I am grateful for their confidence in me as a prospective leader of Fianna Fáil.”
Mr Lenihan said the crucial issue for the party and, indeed, for the country, was that Fianna Fáil remained a substantial and cohesive political force in Irish life.
“To achieve that aim our deputies must choose a leader who can motivate our organisation and mobilise, in particular, those who traditionally support Fianna Fáil to come out and vote for our candidates in the forthcoming election,” he added.
“The new leader must be a straight talking, decisive moderniser in the Lemass mould, with a strong sense of the State and the common good.”
