The Labour Party in Mayo are looking forward to a reorganisation of the party triggered by the news that Mulranny Dr Jerry Cowley has joined the party.
Castlebar town councillor Harry Barrett has welcomed the announcement on Friday that Dr Cowley has joined the party ranks.
The surprise announcement was made at the Labour Party Conference in Galway last Friday, and was greeted with warm approval by Labour councillors and members alike.
Cllr Barrett said he welcomed Dr Cowley’s decision to join Labour adding that “Dr Cowley's decision is a reflection of the leadership of Eamon Gilmore, in the way that people of such calibre and integrity, like Dr Jerry Cowley, are now joining the party.”
Outlining Dr Cowley’s strengths Cllr Barrett said he has been a ferocious defender for cancer services, health issues in general, the plight of our emigrants in England, and an agreed settlement of the Corrib gas issue. “I have always admired the way in which he took real action on people’s issues as opposed to talking about them. If elected, he will play a major part in Labour's health strategy, and if ever Mayo needed a strong active voice in health, in Government, it is now.”
Westport councillor Keith Martin highlighted Dr Cowley’s work to secure BreastCheck services for the county. While former Castlebar and Mayo county councillor Johnny Mee also spoke of Dr Cowley’s “strong social conscience as was witnessed in the way in which he organised sheltered accommodation for our elderly vulnerable emigrants”. Mr Mee continued: “His work with the elderly in west Mayo must also be acknowledged. If he can achieve all of this out of government, you can bet that he will make a huge impact in government, especially in the health portfolio.”
It is expected that the announcement will trigger a reorganisation of the Labour Party within the county and the establishment of a number of new branches to accommodate the expected increase in membership that will be expected as a result of the announcement.
