Cowen criticises 'lack of transparency' in Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin nomination process
Offaly Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen said there was "little transparency or structure" to the process with led to his party's doomed nomination of Jim Gavin as its presidential candidate.
The former Laois-Offaly TD, who was elected to the European Parliament last year, was speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland today (Tuesday) after it was confirmed that last-ditch efforts to have Mr Gavin's name removed from the ballot paper on October 24 had not been successful.
The former Dublin GAA manager announced on Sunday night that he was ending his presidential candidacy amid controversy over news stories about a non-repayment of rent that was overpaid by a former tenant of his.
When asked this morning if he was being critical of his party's leadership, MEP Cowen replied: "No, not necessarily. I'm critical of the process that has us where we are, and the need for a full and frank review which may well be commissioned, I suspect, by the parliamentary party (when it meets) tomorrow night.
"We'll reserve judgement in relation to the ramifications, or what happens next, until after that is conducted but I think it's essential that is done."
He said he had been unhappy with the party's presidential nomination process for some time.
"There was little transparency or structure. The leadership seemed to believe from the outset that no current or former Fianna Fáil TD or Minister, for example, could come forward and win, so they looked outside."
The Clara native said he would like to see "a more inclusive process that allows councillors and party members the opportunity to engage in a procedure and a process and own the resulting nomination - which wasn't the case this time."
He said he could "understand where (Micheál Martin) was coming (from) in relation to seeking to reach beyond the party base" by selecting Jim Gavin, but that it was "always going to harder to motivate the grassroots for someone the party was less familiar with".
Mr Cowen also confirmed he had voted for fellow MEP Billy Kelleher, the other candidate for the Fianna Fáil nomination, rather than Mr Gavin.
He said Mr Gavin had "fine credentials" and came "highly recommended" but that "the scrutiny involved in entering a race like this is unforgiving".
On the controversy which ended the Dubliner's candidacy, he said: "The points in relation to the timeline, and who knew what when, would appear concerning".
When asked who he would now be voting for as president, he said he would be supporting Heather Humphreys but that this was a personal stance rather than a position he was recommending to others in the party.
He said he respected Catherine Connolly's "authenticity" and her "willingness to articulate a vision" but he fundamentally disagreed with her "on issues that are vital to Ireland's place in the world".