Barry Cowen had not expected two Fianna Fáíl running mates in his European constituency

TD won the selection convention but party executive added Lisa Chambers and Niall Blaney to the Midlands-North-West ticket

Irish Examiner Political Reporter Paul Hosford speaking with Barry Cowen TD at the Irish Examiner stand during the Fianna Fáil ard fheis in Dublin on Saturday. Picture: Gareth Chaney

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen expected just one running mate for the upcoming European elections, but does not believe that party leadership intended to hurt his chances.

Mr Cowen won the party’s Midlands-North-West selection convention, but the party executive added Senator Lisa Chambers and Senator Niall Blaney.