Cowen vows to have rural issues better recognised in Europe

Laois-Offaly TD Barry Cowen has vowed to advocate for better recognition of rural issues in EU policies.

He also calls for an improvement on the regulation of the political profession to create a safer environment for those pursuing a political career.

He made the calls during his resignation speech from Dáil Éireann on July 12, in preparation for taking his seat in the European Parliament.

In his resignation speech, Cowen said he regards his new role as an “extension" of his current position, and emphasised the importance of advocating for rural Ireland when adopting European protocols.

“I seek to address some of the failings of the Just Transition Programme that we have seen to date in relation to the processes and procedures,” Cowen stated.

“It has to better recognise rural support, the midlands region especially,” Cowen continued, “which has borne much of the initial heavy lifting when it came, and when it comes to the acceleration of decarbonisation”.

Cowen has played a key role in implementing the Just Transition Programme and advocating for further funding to be provided and distributed in the midlands.

In addition to advocating for the midlands, Cowen pledged to “pursue positive responses to the challenges that exists”, citing food production, farming, and agriculture as examples, while advocating for the potential of off-shore wind farms on the western coast.

Cowen also noted his intention to “ensure that the EU demands and delivers on OECD commitments in relation to global corporate tax rates”, seeking to protect and enhance the strength of Foreign Direct Investment in the Irish economy.

In addition to highlighting the importance of the midlands, Cowen expressed his gratitude to his constituency, honouring the legacy of both his father, who was first elected in 1969, and his brother, ex-Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

“We shared a sense of honour and privilege which it is for us all to represent our respective constituencies; in this case, that of Laois-Offaly,” he said.

“We were always humbled to be re-elected on many occasions,” Cowen noted, crediting his success to the support and assistance received from his family, constituency staff, and working relationship with fellow Fianna Fáil colleagues, amongst others.

Cowen's election to the European Parliament marks an end to his 13 year tenure as a TD serving the Laois-Offaly area.

In his parting words, Cowen called for “anyone who feels the call to politics to pursue it”, highlighting the need for the profession to be “safer and better regulated.”

Citing his “privilege and honour” on being a TD, Cowen noted that “many people fear the direct repercussions and abuses associated with public life today,” he said.

“It seems that the next patriots of our time are those who can be seen to return politics to a safe profession, whether online, or in relation to physical safety.”

Cowen was the second candidate elected to the European Parliament in the Midlands-North-West constituency, succeeding on the 20th count, and following Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan to the European stage.

Cowen will sit in the EU parliament as a part of the Renew Europe party.