Interesting times ahead?

Today may well prove to be a very important day in the history of Fine Gael. Enda Kenny’s initiative to create policy groups of members of the parliamentary party, the front-bench and experts from the wider party to look at four key areas is a very brave and interesting step

As Enda Kenny rightly highlighted in his speech, the politics of Ireland will remain centrist. The challenge we face in FG is to provide clearly Fine Gael solutions within that context to the problems facing the country, and this is centrally a useful way to come up with radical proposals in that regard. As Enda further pointed out in his speech “we came close to Government. It would be easy for us to think that a little bit more of the same will get us over the line the next time. It won’t.” We need to remember that over the coming months, and vigorously embrace initiatives such as this.

Such an approach requires an honest engagement from the upper echelons of the party to  the outside ideas and influences, and in particular to the many people within the party who are have first hand expertise in the areas under scrutiny. And in return, the membership should actively engage in the debate. If not directly involved, party members should look to foster their own debate on the issues, and promote their own thinking. This blog will look to help in that regard by inviting people to contribute their views on the 4 areas over the coming weeks.

This is an opportunity for a fresh approach to be taken to many of the issues which despite our recent prosperity have not been tackled.  It is an opportunity which the party should vigorously engage with after this week, and it is an opportunity to which all party members and supporters should take.

The four areas highlighted by Enda Kenny for discussion:

1. A Competitive and Green Economy – Achieving Strong and Sustainable Growth in Employment and Living Standards Across the Country

2. Public Services – Delivering Quality Public Services like Education and Health

3. Trust in Politics – Empowering Citizens and Restoring Political Accountability

4. Families and Communities – Balancing the Needs of Family, Community and the Economy and tackling long term issues like poverty and deprived communities .