FF TDs put on a brave face and back Taoiseach

FIANNA FÁIL TDs last night put on a brave face rallying around their leader Brian Cowen who told his troops to let the fight back begin.

While a number of backbenchers told a private poll by RTÉ’s Prime Time that a change of leadership is needed, they offered their support to the leader in a parliamentary party meeting that lasted more than four hours last night.

In what was described as a very strong opening address to the private meeting, Mr Cowen promised to win back support starting with a review of the party in Dublin and other cities where it suffered the biggest losses in last week’s local and European elections.

Mr Cowen said the party will be “reviewed and renewed” in a three-year plan before the next general election, which he believes will take place in 2012 when the Government’s five-year mandate ends.

Mr Cowen accepted the extent of the election defeat and said he was sorry that a lot of good councillors lost their seats. But he told the party that they will take the battle to the road and “the fight back begins tonight”.

Just one deputy told Mr Cowen that a cabinet reshuffle is now needed despite this being raised by a number of deputies privately in the RTÉ poll.

All Fianna Fáil ministers were present apart from Tánaiste Mary Coughlan who had to leave early for another engagement.

Mr Cowen listened and took notes as deputies told him he needs to be “out and about more” and communicate better with the people of the country.

Deputies also criticised the timing of certain decisions such as the publication of the Anglo Irish Bank annual report and the Ryan report into child abuse in religious institutions, just days before last Friday’s elections.

The decision announced in April’s budget to cancel the Christmas social welfare bonus payment this year was also strongly criticised.

Mr Cowen was told that he needs to engage more with the party and the Fianna Fáil grassroots around the country. Deputies, particularly those from Dublin where the party losses are greatest, said they wanted a role in a review of how it can win back support.

Cork North Central TD and junior minister Billy Kelleher said last night: “There’s one thing that Fianna Fáil has and that’s a sensible approach to how we deal with politics. There is no point in us deciding to walk away, change leaders, throw in the towel and hand the whole lot over to the opposition to run.”