Menu
15/09/2009
Cowen Admits 'I Know I’ve Not Got Everything Right'
The Taoiseach has told his party that he "needs to do better" during his keynote speech at the party’s annual think-in today.
A beleaguered Brian Cowen, who is facing some of the worst political catastrophes seen in Ireland since independence, said his party had been tested and he had been "tested hard".
He said: "I want to be honest with you. I know I’ve not got everything right. No leader ever does. I know I need to do better and I am determined to justify to the last ounce the great confidence this party has reposed in me.
He added: "I am determined to do so with every fibre of my being and I am determined not to let you down."
Mr Cowen has been in the firing line for some time from critics and colleagues alike as the government continues to run into huge challenges, such as last year's defeat of the Lisbon Treaty referendum and the global economic crisis.
Mr Cowen added that the dissent he had experienced over the NAMA proposals, which he believed was the best possible way to "fix the banks", amounted to "catch-cries" and claims that his government were bailing out the banks were "cheap politics".
Mr Cowen said: "People are free to oppose me, this party or this government. They can support or reject our policies. But our whole motivation is securing the common good in difficult circumstances."
In his closing words, Mr Cowen said his journey through the ranks of the party was guided by his principles, loyalty to the party, service to the country and a determination to always do his best for the people.
"I’ve devoted much of, even most of, my adult life to Fianna Fáil. It has been my privilege. This party means so much to me. And I so much want to live up to its expectations. To deliver, to make each of you proud. To get us through the hard times and to see our country prosper."
(DW/KMcA)
A beleaguered Brian Cowen, who is facing some of the worst political catastrophes seen in Ireland since independence, said his party had been tested and he had been "tested hard".
He said: "I want to be honest with you. I know I’ve not got everything right. No leader ever does. I know I need to do better and I am determined to justify to the last ounce the great confidence this party has reposed in me.
He added: "I am determined to do so with every fibre of my being and I am determined not to let you down."
Mr Cowen has been in the firing line for some time from critics and colleagues alike as the government continues to run into huge challenges, such as last year's defeat of the Lisbon Treaty referendum and the global economic crisis.
Mr Cowen added that the dissent he had experienced over the NAMA proposals, which he believed was the best possible way to "fix the banks", amounted to "catch-cries" and claims that his government were bailing out the banks were "cheap politics".
Mr Cowen said: "People are free to oppose me, this party or this government. They can support or reject our policies. But our whole motivation is securing the common good in difficult circumstances."
In his closing words, Mr Cowen said his journey through the ranks of the party was guided by his principles, loyalty to the party, service to the country and a determination to always do his best for the people.
"I’ve devoted much of, even most of, my adult life to Fianna Fáil. It has been my privilege. This party means so much to me. And I so much want to live up to its expectations. To deliver, to make each of you proud. To get us through the hard times and to see our country prosper."
(DW/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 June 2010
Lobbying Battle Over 'No Confidence' In Kenny
The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has launched a campaign of intensive lobbying after nine members of the Fine Gael frontbench said they no longer have confidence in his leadership. Tomorrow, Mr Kenny faces his own vote of no confidence after the Taoiseach Brian Cowen scraped through a Daíl wide vote of confidence by five votes yesterday.
Lobbying Battle Over 'No Confidence' In Kenny
The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has launched a campaign of intensive lobbying after nine members of the Fine Gael frontbench said they no longer have confidence in his leadership. Tomorrow, Mr Kenny faces his own vote of no confidence after the Taoiseach Brian Cowen scraped through a Daíl wide vote of confidence by five votes yesterday.
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.
01 June 2009
Cowen Outlines Party Plan
Brian Cowen has launched a party plan as the difficult June elections near. As the political party leaders take to their electioneering campaigns, the latest opinion polls put Fine Gael's popularity at 13% higher than the governing party, Fianna Fail.
Cowen Outlines Party Plan
Brian Cowen has launched a party plan as the difficult June elections near. As the political party leaders take to their electioneering campaigns, the latest opinion polls put Fine Gael's popularity at 13% higher than the governing party, Fianna Fail.
19 May 2008
Cowen Accused Of Stalinist Approach By Own Party
Members of Fianna Fail have reportedly leaked complaints about the leadership style of Brian Cowen to the press, comparing him the Russian communist boss, Stalin.
Cowen Accused Of Stalinist Approach By Own Party
Members of Fianna Fail have reportedly leaked complaints about the leadership style of Brian Cowen to the press, comparing him the Russian communist boss, Stalin.
23 March 2012
Mahon Tribunal Recommends New Financial Restrictions
The Mahon tribunal has recommended that courts should be allowed to ban members of the Oireachtas who are convicted of bribery from holding public office and to remove their pension rights.
Mahon Tribunal Recommends New Financial Restrictions
The Mahon tribunal has recommended that courts should be allowed to ban members of the Oireachtas who are convicted of bribery from holding public office and to remove their pension rights.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
