Barry Cowen has said he is “not going anywhere”, vowing to continue being a public representative for his constituency.
The former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine was removed from this position by Taoiseach MicheĆ”l Martin on Tuesday, July 14, in the DĆ”il after failing to answer questions put towards him by TDs followingĀ allegations that he attempted to avoid a Garda checkpoint in 2016.
This development came on the back of a drink-driving controversy involving Cowen.
‘I’m not presenting myself as a victim’
Speaking to Liam Dumpleton on Midlands 103 on Saturday morning, Barry Cowen said he is “thick-skinned and has seen it before” with regard to the public scrutiny he endured.
“I’ve seen the power of the media, but I recognise it can only go so far,” he said.
“I’ll never be led and said by them to the extent some might have wanted me to do. Social media has great attributes but it can cause great harm.
I’m not presenting myself as a victim. I am a legitimate target as a public representative.
Describing the situation as “bigger than him and definitely bigger than MicheĆ”l Martin”, he said that politics is “no different to life”.
“There are ups and downs. It can be a cruel game, but you pick yourself up and you dust yourself off and you move on,” he said.
“You have to show leadership and resilience and you have to show that life will hit you some blows – some a lot more severe than others. The blow I have had, as difficult as it is, is miniature compared to many difficulties that other people have.”
‘People expect me to do a job’
Cowen stressed that he is “not going anywhere” and wants to continue being a representative for the people of Co. Offaly.
“I’m going to continue to find myself in a position of strength where I can be in government again,” he continued.
We [Cowens] are around a long time and we wouldn’t be there without the work that we do. I will get back to work and back to helping people.
“People expect me to do a job; not wallow in sympathy.”
Cowen said that his “stupid mistake” is behind him.
“I was penalised properly and effectively. Humiliation and embarrassment was added to the last number of weeks,” he continued.
“The party has come through bigger events than this. I will come again; Fianna FĆ”il will come again.”
Cowen said the support he has received from his community is similar to that of when his brother, Brian – a former Taoiseach – suffered illness.
“When Brian got sick, there was great help and assistance. That remains the case,” he said.
We have our health and it’s our wealth. We get over these obstacles and we get over these setbacks, we put things into perspective and we are thankful for what we have.
‘Couldn’t stay on the same team’
Cowen added that he has not spoken to Taoiseach MicheƔl Martin since he terminated his appointment as minister.
“There was a difference between myself and the Taoiseach as to how this issue would evolve over the coming weeks,” he said.
“He [MicheĆ”l Martin] is the Taoiseach of the country. It is his prerogative and he has to abide by the rules of the state.”
Cowen said they both “differed in opinions and ultimately couldn’t stay on the same team”.