McCormack pays tribute to Cowen brothers

Tony McCormack has paid tribute to the Cowen brothers, Brian and Barry, for the support they gave to him during his general election campaign.

Speaking on his arrival into the Offaly count centre in Birr, the Tullamore-based Fianna Fail candidate said he is “hopeful” that with tranfers over the course of this evening and tomorrow he will “get over the line” and have the honour of representing his party and his county in Dail Éireann.

“No man or woman can do this on their own and I was very lucky to have the support of my family, friends and supporters and the Cowen brothers, we had a very positive canvass and I was able to wake up yesterday morning and say there was nothing more I could have done” he told the Offaly Independent.

Speaking about how electioneering has changed from the traditional knocking on doors and attending events, Cllr McCormack said social media had played a big part in his own campaign. “We had a very good canvass” he said “and I am humbled by the vote I got from the people of Offaly.”

Despite a drop in the Fianna Fail vote in Offaly, Tony McCormack said it was “a good day overall” for the party and he expressed “no preference” as to the make up of the next government, as long as Fianna Fail is part of it.

“It is too early to say what will happen, it looks like to be Fianna Fail/Fine Gael and whoever, but I don't have a preference as long as we are in government, because when you are in government you can make a difference and you can shape the future of your county.”