Political Career
Cowen first became involved in politics in 1967 when he was co-opted onto Offaly County Council following the death of his father. Later that year he headed the poll in the Tullamore area and retained his seat until his death.
Cowen was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála (TD) for Laois–Offaly at the 1969 general election. Fianna Fáil returned to government for the fourth successive time following a general election, however, as a new TD Cowen remained on the backbenches. He lost his seat at the 1973 general election as a Fine Gael-Labour coalition government was formed. Cowen, however, was subsequently elected to the 13th Seanad by the Agricultural Panel.
Cowen returned to the Dáil following the 1977 general election, when Fianna Fáil returned to power in a landslide. Once again he remained on the backbenches.
In 1979 Jack Lynch resigned as Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader. Charles Haughey, who was supported by Cowen, won the subsequent leadership election. In spite of offering his support Cowen failed to secure promotion to ministerial office.
A period of political instability followed with three general elections being held throughout 1981 and 1982. Cowen retained his seat in all of these elections. In March 1982 he was finally promoted to junior ministerial level, when he was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with special responsibility for disadvantaged areas. He held that position until December of the same year when Fianna Fáil lost power.
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