The newly elected Fianna Fail MEP is calling for young people to get involved in politics.
It's a privilege and honour to represent Laois and Offaly.
That's according to Barry Cowen, speaking in the Dail for the final time before taking up his role as an MEP.
He's held his seat since 2011, succeeding his brother and former Taoiseach Brian Cowen
It's been 55 years since his late father Bernard, was first elected in the Laois/Offaly Constituency.
While his grandfather Christy was the first to enter electoral politics in 1932 as an Offaly County Councillor.
The Fianna Fail rep is encouraging young people to pursue politics as a career:
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