BARRY COWEN ADMITS the “ding-dong” of the last few days has not made for the best optics for Fianna Fáil.
Senator Averil Power’s resignation from the party on Monday over, among other things, her unhappiness with its marriage referendum campaign has prompted plenty of comment in recent days.
Cowen said he was “surprised and shocked” that Power left the party, the manner in which she departed – with a stinging critique of its direction and leadership – and said he hoped “she might have picked up the phone” to leader Micheál Martin.
I imagine, on reflection, she probably regrets that. I hope that she does.
Here’s what else the Laois-Offaly TD had to tell TheJournal.ie about an eventful few days for his party:
One of Power’s most controversial claims in recent days is that she was laughed at by her parliamentary colleagues for suggesting canvassers in the Carlow-Kilkenny by-election where Yes Equality badges and hand out Yes leaflets.
Cowen was director of elections for the campaign and was at the now-infamous parliamentary party meeting. He insisted that Power was not laughed at or scoffed at, stating: ”No, it did not happen.”
Here’s Cowen’s version of events:
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