LAOIS-OFFALY:THE THREE-DAY Laois/Offaly election count was marked by the departure of a Taoiseach, the end of one Fianna Fáil political dynasty and the continuation of another.
It also sees the close of a chapter for the Enright family as Olwyn, daughter of former TD and senator Tom Enright, is replaced by Fine Gael’s Marcella Corcoran Kennedy.
Paying tribute to outgoing Taoiseach Brian Cowen, newly elected TD Barry Cowen described his brother as “one of the finest proponents of public representation” the county and country is ever likely to see. Mr Cowen’s election to the Dáil keeps Fianna Fáil’s Cowen dynasty alive.
However, the loss of long-standing TD John Moloney was upsetting for Fianna Fáil supporters. The publican and undertaker comes from a long line of public representatives dating back to 1929. “I don’t leave here with any note of sadness or bitterness . . . I am as proud of Fianna Fáil as my father and grandfather,” Mr Moloney said.
Mr Moloney was held high by supporters along with elected TDs Barry Cowen and Seán Fleming as the final declarations were made. Mr Fleming said he was “genuinely tinged by sadness” at the departure of Mr Moloney, who he credited with pushing himself and Barry Cowen over the line through transfers.
Mr Fleming also paid tribute to Brian Cowen who, “when he became Taoiseach, he became Taoiseach at the most difficult time that anyone became taoiseach”.
Ms Corcoran Kennedy also paid tribute to the outgoing Taoiseach and she wished him well in the future. She said she believed “this election is going to be a turning point” for the people of Ireland.
Returning Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan said it was time to provide solutions rather then “mope” and “say how bad things are”. He praised the outgoing Taoiseach and his former county colleague, John Moloney.
Brian Stanley, the first Sinn Féin TD to be elected in Laois-Offaly since 1923, promised that he would continue to work for the people in the constituency.
Shortly before his departure from the count centre, the Taoiseach comforted John Moloney’s wife. Mr Cowen said that he was “genuinely proud” of his brother Barry.