Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Deputy Brian Cowen's experience goes way beyond the four Ministries in this country. When he was Minister for Foreign Affairs during Ireland's Presidency of the EU he advanced, promoted and succeeded in getting agreement from the EU that there would be no unilateral intrusion of borders between Palestine and Israel. That was a very significant agreement, agreed in Tullamore I understand. He was the first politician to meet Yasser Arafat after 11 September 2001, which was a very troubled time for the world and a time of great sensitivity. He used his enormous political skills to bring a calming influence. I have no doubt that as captain of the team he will use his enormous ability for the benefit of the team.

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