Offaly MEP says Gavin has great credentials for Presidency

OFFALY Fianna Fail MEP Barry Cowen has wished Jim Gavin all the best as he bids to win the Presidential election for the party.

Mr Cowen was speaking at the National Ploughing in Screggan where the Dublin man met those in attendance and took questions from the media.

“I wish him every success, great credentials, sound standing, good Irishman, a track record in relation to his dedication and commitment to the State,” said Mr Cowen.

“And looking forward to an energetic campaign where he'll touch base with the heart of Ireland and beyond and show the sort of qualities that have endeared him to most and will no doubt endear him to the Irish people.”

Fianna Fail director of elections Minister Dara Calleary said the former Dublin GAA manager had been “mobbed” in the party's tent at the Ploughing and he promised an energetic campaign until polling day next month.

“We'll bring it to every door in the country, every part of the country and I'm absolutely certain that Jim is going to lead from the front and will be a super, super President after he's elected,” said Minister Calleary.

Mr Gavin was asked about his commitment to Fianna Fail and spoke of his parents coming from west Clare, a “staunch” area for the party.

He said Fianna Fail was not the only party which had an interest in selecting him to run for the Aras.

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“What parties approached me, who approached me, I can't control that. But what I can control is how I respond to that and I was respectful and I politely declined and said no.”

He stressed his connections with rural Ireland. “I'm a proud Dub but like many Dubliners I'm only a generation away from rural Ireland, from the land. My family roots are in west Clare,” he said.

“I do have farming deep in my DNA. During the summer months I'd have been on my Dad's, on my homestead farm. They are the custodians of the land.”

He added that sustainable incomes will be a crucial issue for farmers and said he was sure Mr Cowen would represent the sector on CAP, trade and nitrates in the European Parliament.

Asked about Gaza, he called for an end to the conflict: “Genocide is happening. The Israeli government are conducting war crimes. The fighting needs to stop, it needs to stop today. We need to aid in today to the people of Gaza.”

Mr Gavin said his vision for the presidency will be outlined when he formally launches his campaign next week but he did not that the last three occupants of the office “have advocated in some ways for those who don't have a voice”.

“The championing of those who can't speak for themselves is something that I certainly will continue.”