I have found my true political home at last - Dr Jerry Cowley
Issued : Saturday 17 April, 2010
A famous Mayoman once said "The challenge is to get people who think labour to vote Labour'
I believe most people think labour.
I've always thought Labour but acted independently. I am proud of what I managed to achieve for the people of Mayo as a TD between 2002 and 2007, but the experience also conveyed to me the limits of what an Independent could do.
Imagine what I could have done in those five years if I was a member of a party in power! Imagine what it would mean to my county and my country in terms of greater equality if this was Labour policy being enacted, where people would be put before profit, and where no golden circle would be tolerated.
I am convinced that the Labour Party will be in government after the next election and I want to see a Labour TD returned for Mayo to be part of Taoiseach Eamon Gilmore's Team.
Eamon Gilmore is a leader apart from others. His outspoken criticism of the Fianna Fail Government,
- his courage in saying what needs to be said,
-and his determination to offer the people of this country of ours a sense of hope and the prospect of real change, has struck a chord with people all over the country.
I really look forward to working with Eamon and the Labour Party in Mayo- Davitt's own county- to bring about the change of government that is now an imperative for national recovery.
I have already met Mayo delegates Harry Barrett and Keith Martin, and Sean Sammon, and Dave Fallon who have already done so much for Labour.
I walked in here yesterday evening - a one man outfit- consisting of Teresa, my loving supportive wife and family - and my supportive friends.
Nothing could have prepared me for the tremendous and warm welcome I received from the delegates here - genuine and straight-talking-like their Leader-and speaking my language.
I left some hours later - Oh happy days! - a new man- with a spring in my step - - as a member of a very large and supportive family, with a common vision for a better Ireland for all,
- AND - the expectation to be in power, come the next election.
It was remarked by my wife Teresa when she saw me that I looked ten years younger.
In fact I DID feel ten years younger, rearin' to go and anxious to get on with the important task ahead.
When I sat in this great hall yesterday,
- and when I listened to the debate- the realisation hit me -a Eureka moment- as good as if I had won the Lotto - Thank God - I've- found- my- true- home- at- last -
- And, I'm here to stay-
-Thank -you- for- having -me.
I commend the motion.
