LEADERSHIP CONTEST:ALL OF Brian Cowen's potential rivals said yesterday that they would support his candidacy.
Every senior Minister ruled themselves out as a candidate to succeed Bertie Ahern.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey was the last to declare support for Mr Cowen. He issued a statement yesterday evening saying: "Now that the procedures have been agreed and Brian Cowen has confirmed to me that he will be a candidate, I am happy to confirm that I will be supporting him in the vote for party leader and on the nomination for taoiseach."
Mr Dempsey issued his statement of support for Mr Cowen after Fianna Fáil announced the procedures for the selection of the new leader at 7pm.
Earlier, he said he would not say if he was running for party leader until the procedures for selection of a new leader were announced.
"I am a former whip and was involved in the procedure the last time around and that's my way of doing things," he said.
The first to declare public support for Mr Cowen yesterday was Minister for Enterprise and Employment Micheál Martin, who did so early yesterday morning.
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan had ruled himself out the previous evening. Apart from Mr Cowen, Mr Martin and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern were the other names that were mentioned most as potential leaders in recent years. Mr Martin's declaration of support for Mr Cowen was viewed by Fianna Fáil colleagues as effectively putting an end to any leadership contest.
Speaking on RTÉs Morning Ireland, Mr Martin said: "I think there's a clear successor to Bertie Ahern and I certainly won't be contesting the election. It's my view that Brian Cowen will be an excellent leader of the party. He will enjoy my support."
Mr Martin also said he did not think there would be an election for the position, a view shared by most of his senior colleagues in the party.
Speaking at the conclusion of a joint press conference with Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward at Iveagh House yesterday, Dermot Ahern confirmed he would not be a candidate.
Mr Ahern said: "Some time ago, I made up my mind that I would not go for the leadership in the near future. I had clearly decided in conjunction with my wife and my family that I just felt that it wasn't for me at this time.
"If and when the nominations are open, I won't be putting my name forward. I indicated to Brian Cowen within minutes of [ the Taoiseach's] announcement that I wouldn't be going forward. I indicated that if there was a contest, I would support him.
"I believe that Brian has all the attributes that are necessary for the Fianna Fáil leader and I have no doubt that he will go on to lead the country as leader of Fianna Fáil and as taoiseach with the same distinction as previous taoisigh."
Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said that it was not the right time for her to contest the position of taoiseach. However, Ms Hanafin signalled she would not be adverse to considering the position of tánaiste.
"There isn't anybody at ministerial level who wouldn't like the position of taoiseach, but this certainly is not my time. I believe it is the Tánaiste's time," she said.
Minister for Social Affairs Martin Cullen said Mr Cowen was an "outstanding candidate" for the party and he would be supporting his leadership.
Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan also made a public declaration of support for Mr Cowen, saying he had demonstrated the highest level of political ability and skill during his career.
"I feel he is the right person to lead Fianna Fáil into a new chapter in our proud history," Ms Coughlan said.
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív and Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Séamus Brennan also announced their support for the Tánaiste. Mr Ó Cuív rang Mr Cowen from the US, where he is on official business.
Minister of State for European Affairs Dick Roche also declared support for Mr Cowen, calling him "without doubt, the brightest mind in the Dáil", and highlighted his contribution to the peace process and his track record as minister for foreign affairs.
"Brian Cowen's standing with the international community is already very high," said Mr Roche.
