Soldiers of Destiny throw their lot in with EU Liberals

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen announced at the Ard Fheis that Fianna Fáil would be joining the Liberals in the European Parliament after the elections in June.

He is not expected to change his mind about this as his predecessor Bertie Ahern did in 2003 when, after months of negotiation, he capitulated following a plea from Brian Crowley and Gerry Collins.

Much of the negotiations then centred on ensuring Fianna Fáil’s loyal staff in their old party would move with them to new jobs in the Liberal group.