10/04/2008
Cowen Represents Government For First Time as Leader-Designate
Tánaiste Brian Cowen will represent the Dáil today for the first time since being selected as the next Taoiseach.
Mr Cowen will preside over the Order of Business today, as the run up to his 7 May succession to current Taoiseach Bertie Ahern begins.
A debate on the 28th amendment to the Constitution to facilitate the Lisbon Treaty referendum will follow.
The next four weeks will be of great interest to political commentators and the people of Ireland as a whole, with all eyes on Mr Cowen as he shapes Fianna Fáil policy and hones his leadership skills as he prepares to take over as head of Government.
However, he has already stated that he will not be drawn on those party policies - or his Cabinet choices - before he begins his term Taoiseach on 7 May.
Mr Cowen was elected unopposed as the seventh leader of Fianna Fáil and has said he will devote all of his abilities and energy to the task that lies ahead.
However, he has also appealed to the media to respect his private life.
Speaking yesterday at his first press conference as Fianna Fáil leader-designate, Mr Cowen said he hoped to match the work ethic and dedication shown by Mr Ahern.
Co Offaly-born Mr Cowen spoke of his pride at taking over the country, and said it was a proud day for his wife, two daughters and wider family.
"We will strive to build a country strong and free, with decent living standards for all, where our elderly are secure and respected and where our young people can look to their future in Ireland with confidence," he said.
"Now, more than ever, in the years ahead, we will work towards making that dream a reality."
Mr Cowen added that he was "excited by the challenge but daunted by the responsibility" of becoming Taoiseach
(NS/JM)
Mr Cowen will preside over the Order of Business today, as the run up to his 7 May succession to current Taoiseach Bertie Ahern begins.
A debate on the 28th amendment to the Constitution to facilitate the Lisbon Treaty referendum will follow.
The next four weeks will be of great interest to political commentators and the people of Ireland as a whole, with all eyes on Mr Cowen as he shapes Fianna Fáil policy and hones his leadership skills as he prepares to take over as head of Government.
However, he has already stated that he will not be drawn on those party policies - or his Cabinet choices - before he begins his term Taoiseach on 7 May.
Mr Cowen was elected unopposed as the seventh leader of Fianna Fáil and has said he will devote all of his abilities and energy to the task that lies ahead.
However, he has also appealed to the media to respect his private life.
Speaking yesterday at his first press conference as Fianna Fáil leader-designate, Mr Cowen said he hoped to match the work ethic and dedication shown by Mr Ahern.
Co Offaly-born Mr Cowen spoke of his pride at taking over the country, and said it was a proud day for his wife, two daughters and wider family.
"We will strive to build a country strong and free, with decent living standards for all, where our elderly are secure and respected and where our young people can look to their future in Ireland with confidence," he said.
"Now, more than ever, in the years ahead, we will work towards making that dream a reality."
Mr Cowen added that he was "excited by the challenge but daunted by the responsibility" of becoming Taoiseach
(NS/JM)
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04 June 2010
Second Senator To 'Clarify' Expenses
A second Irish Senatoor is being asked to "clarify" the expenses he has claimed after the supplementary payments to members of both houses were published last week. Last night Taoiseach Brian Cowen set in motion the process to exclude Senator Ivor Callely from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party over his €81,000 in travel allowance claims.
Second Senator To 'Clarify' Expenses
A second Irish Senatoor is being asked to "clarify" the expenses he has claimed after the supplementary payments to members of both houses were published last week. Last night Taoiseach Brian Cowen set in motion the process to exclude Senator Ivor Callely from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party over his €81,000 in travel allowance claims.
23 November 2010
Confidence Vote Looms For Taoiseach
A Fianna Fáil TD has began the process for a motion of no confidence in Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Backbencher Tom Kitt is believed to be taking signatures within the party, along with five other rebel deputies pushing for new leadership ahead of January's election. Eighteen signatures are needed for the motion.
Confidence Vote Looms For Taoiseach
A Fianna Fáil TD has began the process for a motion of no confidence in Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Backbencher Tom Kitt is believed to be taking signatures within the party, along with five other rebel deputies pushing for new leadership ahead of January's election. Eighteen signatures are needed for the motion.
08 March 2016
FF Restate Commitment To Assist Distressed Homeowners
Fianna Fáil have restated their commitment to assisting distressed homeowners facing repossession. The party's Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government, Barry Cowen, said that assisting people in mortgage arrears and families at risk of losing their home through repossession must be a priority for the next Government.
FF Restate Commitment To Assist Distressed Homeowners
Fianna Fáil have restated their commitment to assisting distressed homeowners facing repossession. The party's Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government, Barry Cowen, said that assisting people in mortgage arrears and families at risk of losing their home through repossession must be a priority for the next Government.
22 October 2015
22 Homes 'Little Comfort For Homeless People' - FF
The announcement of the delivery 22 modular homes before Christmas has been described as "little comfort for homeless people" by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen. Deputy Cowen said that as of September, 738 families are homeless in Ireland with the vast majority of these based in Dublin.
22 Homes 'Little Comfort For Homeless People' - FF
The announcement of the delivery 22 modular homes before Christmas has been described as "little comfort for homeless people" by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen. Deputy Cowen said that as of September, 738 families are homeless in Ireland with the vast majority of these based in Dublin.
27 January 2015
Dáil To Debate FF Housing Motion
Fianna Fáil has called on the government to take a "series of steps to correct serious imbalances in the housing sector".
Dáil To Debate FF Housing Motion
Fianna Fáil has called on the government to take a "series of steps to correct serious imbalances in the housing sector".
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Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.