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TDS HAVE BEEN reacting to the shock announcement this evening that Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen has been sacked as Agriculture Minister by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Cowen had come under fire in recent weeks after it emerged he was issued with a three-month driving ban in 2016 for being over the legal alcohol limit.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced this evening in the Dáil chamber that he had advised the President to terminate Cowen’s appointment as a government minister.
The Offaly TD reacted to his removal as minister this evening on Twitter: “I am both surprised and disappointed with this decision.”
Referring to the latest development in the reporting of the drink-driving incident, he said at no time did he attempt to evade the gardaí at the checkpoint in 2016: “Had I done so, the charges brought against me would, quite correctly, have been of a different tenor to those.”
The Taoiseach consulted with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Transport Minister and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan before sacking Cowen as minister. However, it is understood the decision to remove Cowen was Micheál Martin’s call alone and neither Varadkar or Ryan looked for a head to roll.
There was surprise among Fianna Fáil TDs and senators with many saying they only heard the news when they saw notifications come through on their phones just after 9pm.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien told the Tonight Show on Virgin Media that it is a “sad day for Barry and his family”, echoing Martin’s Dáil statement. The Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal also defended the Taoiseach, describing his actions as decisive.
He said he understands the Taoiseach wanted to afford Barry time to consider whether he would address the allegations, but Cowen took a view that what he has said to date is enough.
“Micheál is a decent man,” O’Brien said but added that he “didn’t want the business of government distracted any longer”.
The minister said he is “personally sorry for Barry” and that he holds him in high regard.
A number of other Fianna Fáil TDs said there was nothing to suggest such a decision was imminent.
When asked did anyone have a sense this would happen tonight, one TD replied: “No one did.” Another said: “No one had a clue.”
Despite reports to the contrary, one deputy suggested that something must have happened between Leaders’ Questions today and this evening, hinting that the Greens or Fine Gael “must have held a gun” to the Taoiseach’s head.
Another Fianna Fáil TD said Martin will most likely be relieved. They suggested that the vacancy in Agriculture will result in the Taoiseach perhaps ‘righting the wrong’ in the Cabinet appointments, suggesting that Chief Whip Dara Calleary may well get the job tomorrow.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Prime Time this evening, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said the Taoiseach clearly did not have confidence in the minister after speaking with him earlier in the day.
He said it was a decision the Taoiseach had to make, adding that “presumably new information came to light” after this afternoon’s Leaders’ Questions where Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald raised concerns about Cowen.
Members of the House also asked him to answer questions in the Dáil. However, Martin told TDs that Cowen had taken the decision not to speak to the Dáil until investigations by the Data Protection Commission and GSOC had concluded.
In his brief statement tonight, Martin said that on seeing the Garda report, there were additional issues which required further explanation and clarification.
“This decision has created a situation where legitimate doubts and additional questions are being raised, and Government colleagues are expected to address these. This is simply untenable,” Martin explained.
“It is my view that Minister Cowen had an obligation to come before the House. It is also my view that this issue is damaging to the ongoing work of Government…
“The challenges facing this Government are unprecedented in scale and the Irish people require nothing less than our full and undivided attention.
“It is in everyone’s interest that the Government not be distracted in any way from doing what is necessary to protect public health and our efforts to rebuild our society and our economy.”
TheJournal.ie / TwitterJust before 9pm, Taoiseach Micheál Martin entered the Dáil chamber to announce the termination of Barry Cowen's appointment as a minister following his drink-driving scandal.
— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) July 14, 2020
Martin said it was a "very sad day for Barry, his family and him". pic.twitter.com/7Zz2J2LHwB
“Clearly this is not good for the government,” Coveney told Miriam O’Callaghan on RTÉ tonight, adding: “That’s politics.”
He said the government would “pick itself up and move on”.
Labour leader Alan Kelly welcomed the “decisive decision” taken by the Taoiseach this evening.
However, he called on Martin to address what has changed “since a few hours ago” when the Taoiseach was defending Cowen “steadfastly” in the Dáil.
He said the Taoiseach needs to say clearly what details informed him.
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy also said that nothing uttered in the Dáil this afternoon suggested that the Taoiseach was going to sack Cowen tonight.
Her colleague Roisin Shortall added that the “whole thing is a sorry mess… government is only three weeks in and there’s already a minister overboard”.
Sinn Féin’s Eoin O’Broin claimed the Taoiseach was forced into this by his party leader today, stating that Martin has serious questions to answer in the Dáil tomorrow as to what happened to make him take such a decision.
Meanwhile, some Fine Gael TDs told TheJournal.ie that the sacking of Cowen did not come as a surprise to them, and that the Fianna Fáil TD should have disclosed all the details relating to the drink-driving ban to the Dáil last week.
“It was coming,” said one Fine Gaeler.
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I’m shocked they done anything at all
@Paul Madigan: Cost of coalition? Couldn’t see it happening if FF were in power by themselves….
Oh if only he had been Minister For Children this would have been called Cowengate !!
@Nosmo King: Quality :)
@Paul Madigan: There’s only one reason any action was taken by MM about Cowen and that’s because Varadkar has him by the short and curlies – which, btw, Varadkar is loving, second by second; there’s much more to come with this inept corrosive government, but the reigns really have been tightened within FG, more so than FF when it comes to keeping the untruths hidden within the party – I can’t stand FG, they are very tight when it comes to minding each other, and like FF they’re equally as deplorable and disrespectful of the electorate and the people of Ireland. Varadkar has inside info and it’ll be drip-fed to the MSM accordingly to the point whereby he’ll be delivering the shamrock next year in person to the US president.
The sad fact is, in this country, politics doesn’t attract decent, ethical and emphatic people, they’re mostly sly and devious, some just happen to be better than others at cheating and deviousness, but it’s the taxpayer who has to pay for their meals, drivers, cars, garda drivers, drinks, smokes, beds, houses, apartments, licences, offices, staff, families, insurances, haircuts, make-up, pets, clothes, salaries, expenses – I’m sure I’ve forgotten lots more – but then we’re in to the massive spending on OUR behalf, such as homelessness, HSE, NPHET, civil servants, useless quangos, senators, TDs, NBP, NCH etc., and much more, again.
I’ve maintained for many years that politics should be a vocation insofar as a basic minimum wage applies; they are paid massive salaries in a tiny country such as ours with privileges and expenses which rival those of countries with multiples of our population. Maybe we should have a referendum on politician’s salaries? I think E100,000 p/a (including expenses) is dignified, ample and respectful enough to someone who is, after all, supposed to be [primarily] representing others and not themselves. If nothing else, it’ll certainly separate those who are in it for money, morality or beliefs.
If NCHDs, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, teachers et al., can live on less than E100,000 p/a – why can’t politicians?
@Nosmo King: Ahhh, that joke has been going around for a couple of weeks at this stage!
@Lao Tzu: well said and do not forget about their big fat pensions when they step down!
@Paul Madigan: *did
@Lao Tzu: Leo and FG are playing a blinder. They will let FF destroy themselves then collapse the gov. Off to the polls we go and FG will pick up 10 more seats, FF vote will completely collapse then it will be back to how it was. MM was and still is such a weak leader he can’t see what’s happening, it’s like he is so far behind in the race he actually thinks he’s winning.
@Lao Tzu: A lot of politicians are out for personal gain and are no sainst but I totally disagree with you saying politicians should be paid a minimum wage, they do work very hard and deserve a decent remuneration for the responsibility they hold. I firmly believe that if you pay public servants too little you actively invite corruption especially with regards to security forces, politicians and anyone with anything to do with town planning!
@Paul Madigan: Of course they’re shocked, no one is ever held accountable in Ireland for wrong doing, he drink drove, tried to avoid a a Garda checkpoint, so knew he was over the limit, was caught speeding, drove alone for years on a provisional licence, and refused to answer questions on many of these issues, those that are shocked need to go too. They are public representatives, and need to set good examples to the public. Enough of this toxic party environment, Irish politics needs a good kick up the ar*e.
@Ken Bracken: It`ll ” Actively ” invite corruption ? , what do you think they`re up to now ?. Can you seriously say that political parties, even in the past, have been free from corruption ?
@Desmond Lyons: sad
Well done Micheál , I’m not a fan of his party but he has made the correct decision on this occasion. Barry thought he was above the law and accountability and it’s great to see this wasn’t accepted.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come from this coalition.
@Rochelle: how did he think he was above the law. He got caught, paid the fine, served his ban. The law around provisional licenses is a mess and he used it like many people
@Garreth mc mahon: He ignored provisional license laws, drove while drunk and then attempted to evade a garda checkpoint. That’s 3 laws broken in one incident but still he had the neck to claim “shock” at being dismissed in one of the highest positions in the country.
@Rochelle: paid the fine, used the provisional law to his advantage( like many people). Also there is conflict about the avoidance of check point
@Rochelle: had he been coming from the Dail, it would have been OK.
@Garreth mc mahon: He broke provisional laws by not having a license holder accompanying as he admitted himself. Whether it’s a common breach or not is irrelevant, this is (was) a minister of the country and the best behaviour should be expected.
@Garreth mc mahon: what about his claiming driving expenses while not banned, driving on a provisional without a licenced driver accompanying him, and driving on the motorways while on a provisional. He broke multiple laws daily, why should he be allowed to be in charge of anything?
@Garreth mc mahon: It looks like he turned away from the checkpoint according to the Gardai?. He was only done for drink driving and is now claiming he didn’t turn away from the checkpoint because he wasn’t charged with that offence. Martin obviously believes the Garda account and not Cowans. Just because he wasn’t charged doesn’t mean he didn’t turn away… Guards probably thought the drink driving was enough to charge him with, luckily for him.
@Rochelle: Would Michael Martin have faced more questions re was he aware of all the facts 7 days ago when Barry Cowen read out a statement in Dail? According to media reports he knew 10 days ago,is this true?
@Jerriko17: Was there any brown envelopes passed under the table here
@Garreth mc mahon: there is no conflict. He is just denying it because he wasn’t charged with it and is calling the Gardai liars now. Like all court cases there was probably a deal done that he would plead to the lesser charges and other charges would be dropped. This plea bargaining is a very common aspect of Irish law.
@Rochelle: did you see the charge sheet or the pulse report as you seem to know the details
@Jjohn Cconway: there was no charge or court case the matter was dealt with by fcps.
@Criostoir Mac Ranghaill: FF and FG are masters of the brown envelopes.
Shock at a politician being held accountable for wrongdoing as opposed to shock at the actual wrongdoing itself, maybe?
@Derek Dunne: Spot on
@Derek Dunne: oh now the comments on this story are open again. While Meehole wanted the story to go away, comments were closed… now PRESTO .. back open again, doesnt matter anymore.
“Shock as TD’s realise that they may finally be held accountable for their actions.”
@Peter Denham: hopefully the Sinners are too!
@Joe: those that are sinners should not throw the first stone
@Joe: well let the sinners go to mass and repent
I have a strange feeling that the leaking of the original offence came from a disgruntled person within FF, and it was a side ward swipe at Micheál Martin by getting at his supporters, I would not be surprised at all if there was more to come out and Micheál Martin had no choice but to sack Barry Cowen. I also expect some more FF dirty laundry to leak out in the near future.
@Brian McDonnell:
There is much more to this than meets the eye….. Wait for the flood gates to open….
@Brian McDonnell: there must be something else hanging around there. I don’t particularly like FF or Cowan either for that matter but it seems a massive price to pay for a slip up like that. At the end of the day if he had a full licence he was out the gap & no one would be any wiser. I’ve also seen various historical shots of him getting out of “not so small cars” in the past few weeks & I find it shocking that he was driving these around on a provisional licence. The other thing is that I don’t see anyone else in the car either, isn’t he supposed to have a driver with a full licence with him?? I don’t know if he has taken a test since but some of these shots are pre him being banned.
He should have been canned the moment it was revealed that he failed to disclose this to his party.
And the offence itself is no misdemeanor, it wasn’t a 2km drive from the local to the house, it was Croke Park to Offaly on a provisional licence !
Mr Martin’s days are numbered Already, this Gov. Won’t last 6 Mts. , and Martin will be ousted. at least 5 or 6 of them Gunning for him now. Not much loss.
Mr Martin discussed Mr Cowen’s gda record with varadkar and Ryan, and both said he must go,Martin sacked his loyal soldier to stay in the taoiseachs office,does Cowen know Martin discussed his private GDA file with varadkar and Ryan, possibly many more.
@@mdmak33: were you in the room while they were having this discussion. You seem to know a lot more than the rest of us. Please fill us in on the rest of the juicy detail’s?
Poor Barry, he won the Lotto, but lost his Ticket.
You would think there would be some level of due diligence or fitness & probity check carried out on those who are to be appointed as ministers. A simple form asking them to list convictions, cautions, financial interests would have saved a lot of pain.
@Danny O’Donoghue: it goes without question that anyone being considered for ministerial office would be thoroughly vetted by their party leader to ensure there were no surprises lurking in their past. Drink driving offences are held in open court so there is no way this could not have been known about since 2016. Michael Martin probably knew and took a chance but it has blown up in his face. Typical cute hoor FF politics thought they could hide it or bluff it. M Martin was happy with Cowans explanation and sacked him a few hours later! Says as much about Martin as it does about Cowan. Not fit to be a Taoiseach.
@Danny O’Donoghue: There is; The Civil Service Code of Standards & Behaviour. All new entrants are to be given a copy and must sign to say they’ve read and accept it.
@Steph: also all civil servants must be garda vetted.
@Jjohn Cconway: except this was at the lower end of offences and was dealt with by fine and immediate suspension as per the law. Not all drink driving cases go to court.
TDs being shocked at his dismissal his to show how little they respect the office they’re in.
I don’t believe that Martin knew nothing of this, a good leader would have known the next morning whether one of his party members was arrested the night before.
@aidan mccormack: yes, a GOOD leader would….
Good. He’s a drunk driver.
Roderic O’Gorman needs to go next..
I want this coalition removed and a new election within a year
Should be more common should have happened
Minister Harris and eoghan Murphy last government term about time
@Richard Doherty:
Maybe we should nominate you for one of those roles and see how well you would do.
@Just Some Guy: im not argorant enough like fine geal and fianna fail tds to think I should have a ministery so you can forget about your irrational comment about given me a ministry position
@Richard Doherty: based on your grasp of the English language you wouldn’t be capable!
Political witch hunt and trial by media.
@Garreth mc mahon: trial by court, he was convicted of drink driving…
@Garreth mc mahon: Political witch hunts is a two way street. F.F. are Masters at it .This time Martin over played his hand . Perhaps he could offer the job to one of his T.Ds. who thought they had a right to a ministerial position only to be shafted by Martin.. Don’t think they will be too anxious to get Martin off the hook that easy. Now Martin has questions of when and what he knew about Cowen.
@Garreth mc mahon: remember Claire Daly?
@Jjohn Cconway: Arrested and handcuffed but was 33% UNDER the limit.
GSOC investigation took 3&1/2 years!
I think the straw that broke the camels back was the disclosure of his file by himself to the media on Sunday about the possibility of a Garda facing criminal prosecution for disclosing his offence… not know if the leak came from the Gardai at all .. may have come from a solicitor or another source the thing is he went public before GSOC could in estimate thereby bringing the Gardai into disrepute before the investigation… he orchestrated his own downfall there …
Sad and all wait is, this is the new reality. And the sooner the better M Martin is tossed in jail for the treasonous our loss of our sovereignty back in 2010-2011. He is now the chief can-carrier, with E Ryan of greens.
Would this termination from Cabinet have been avoided if The Minister took questions from the Opposition in The Dáil? That is something we’ll never know.
TD’s shocked with routine accountability measure haha
Barry Cowen ye made your bed. You will now unfortunately have to sleep in it. People make mistakes in life, we all agree with that and move on. But for some strange reason you thought you would sort it. Sorry Barry. Sure it is what it is.
WITCH HUNT!
Trumpian politics. They tried to misdirect the media. This overshadowed everything else that followed tonight. Cowen was gone the minute the story broke about his previous conviction. The timing of the announcement was strategic.
Time for all members of Dáil Éireann to inform their party leader of any past misdemeanour so all cards are on the table & standards are upheld.
Is there anymore ff TDs in greystones to fill the vacancy……
I’m totally as there are more pressing issues such as the Yanks being left in and we will be in lock down again because of Leo and his gobshits. Barry was a pawn in this game and it will be the start of the end of Ireland.
Will he still get a ministerial pension?
Took a while but now we have a opposition to this garbage
Break the rules? Man up and accept the consequences.
It’s all about the agriculture minister, is there no one for Fisheries, and all in line are from farming back ground.. not fair!!
Martin can now reverse his decision not to appoint a minister from Connaught
@Martin Smith: why does geography make a difference, where a minister is concerned? Ministers work in the national interest unless you want something different?
@Paul Glackin:
A lot of people do!
Show me a person who has never made a mistake all u Holier than thou!!. He took the punishment at the time. Its history now and also remember he has a v ill brother . I am not a fan of the man but give him a break for God’s sake!!!
I nominate Rat McSharry for the Minister of Agriculture job. He is a very good man and has great knowledge of the farming portfolio.
This would drink a man to drive
If it emerges that there is more to the story than his drink driving ban then he deserves to be sacked but if it’s for this reason only then it’s a shame as he is a person who would have been a good minister. We need people who know what they are doing in Government at this time of crisis
Its a pity that decisions such as sacking comes after the allegations. All do mistakes in
life we should regret and move on that shouldn’t be a stumble block in a career..
Feel sorry cowen the embarrassment he has to go through
@joelking: A mistake is a once off. Cowen broke the law hundreds of times by driving alone on a provisional licence for years. He broke it again by drinking and driving. He knowingly and intentionally broke the law every day.
He should have made his driving test a priority when he was 18, like every other youngster in the country.
Give them a year tops and we’ll see another election and they’ll be gone , scandal and in fighting already happening after a short few weeks
Start leading the country Michael and let this issue die. It’s getting worse than Fine Gales swinggate. Leo is taking the opportunity to outstage you and never misses an opportunity to vox pop.
Shock amongst TDs as TD actually aheld to account for his actions.
So sorry for Barry from Offaly after being appointed minister for fisheries
@Alan Wilson: but at least we won’t be hearing any complaints from Offaly about not having a Minister any more Alan. And even in the Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries. Step forward the saintly Pippa Hackett from the Greens!
The journal deleted my comment again
LOVE the headline in the eight at eight “Cowengate”!!
This latest scandal in government
Would it be called a “cowengate”?
Moving on, who do you think would make a good replacement?
‘goin backward…’
Delighted for Dara. Much deserved. Hon Mayo
Barry should have come clean with all the information in relation to his drink driving conviction and maybe he might have survived .
House of Cards Irish style.
have your say