Cowen formally nominated for leader

With the jockeying over, for now, Brian Cowen has formally put his name forward to be the next leader of Fianna Fáil and, with it, Taoiseach. From the RTÉ report

Mr Cowen was nominated by Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan, and seconded by the Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan. He is expected to be the only candidate when nominations for the leadership of Fianna Fáil contest close tomorrow afternoon. Although it is still technically possible that another TD could enter the contest before nominations close at 2pm tomorrow, it is highly unlikely.

Meanwhile, Beverley Flynn, TD, who was just readmitted to the party yesterday, has been talking to RTÉ.

Mayo TD Beverley Flynn has said it would be a great honour for her to hold a ministerial office, but she said that decision would be up to Brian Cowen as the next Taoiseach.

Adds This report has some more details

Speaking on RTE radio this afternoon Ms Flynn said she regretted the outcome of her action against the broadcaster and “a lot of what happened over the last number of years”.

“I’m very keen at this stage to focus now on the future and that future I’m glad to say now is obviously back in the Fianna Fáil party where I hope to [be] able to work both locally and nationally,” she told the News at One.

Mr Ahern said after he was re-elected last year, that he envisaged she could be given a junior ministry in the future. And in today’s interview Ms Flynn referred to what the Taoiseach had said in the past and again referred to working “nationally”.

She said it would be an honour for her and her constituents if she were given a ministerial position.

And Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin has said – “It is a matter entirely for the incoming Taoiseach. I will be happy to serve in any capacity.”

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