Fianna Fáil has selected Barry Cowen TD to represent the party in the Midlands-North-West constituency for the upcoming European elections.

The Laois-Offaly TD was voted by party members to run for the June elections at a party convention in Mullingar, Co Westmeath this evening.

Senator Niall Blaney, Senator Lisa Chambers and Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher had been nominated for selection. On close of nominations Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher had withdrawn.

Speaking following his selection, Barry Cowen TD said: “It is a great honour and privilege, and I’m most delighted, to be endorsed by this organisation to fight to win back a seat that has been out of this constituency for too long.

“We will work as hard as we possibly can to ensure Fianna Fáil wins back a seat in the Midlands-North-West. I’m delighted that party members have seen fit to endorse me.”

Deputy Cowen added: “In the coming weeks and months we will make a huge effort to take the seat. It will be the precursor possibly for a general election in the autumn or next spring. It is imperative we create the sort of momentum that will allow us to be in a position to make an impact, to make a mark, locally, nationally and in Europe.”

Commenting, Fianna Fáil Director of the European Elections, Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “Fianna Fáil members have tonight voted to select Barry Cowen as their candidate for the European Elections in the Midlands-North-West constituency.

“Deputy Cowen has a proven track record as a dedicated and committed Parliamentarian and will, if elected, represent Fianna Fáil as a strongly pro-European candidate in the Parliament.”

“I look forward to canvassing with Deputy Cowen over the coming weeks and months. I also want to pay tribute to both Senator Niall Blaney and Senator Lisa Chambers who put themselves forward for convention and ran excellent campaigns.”