FG ‘promises a new choice’

FINE GAEL is firmly united behind its beleaguered leader following a successful restructuring of his party by Enda Kenny, according to TD Bernard Allen.

Mr Allen said members appreciated Mr Kenny’s personal profile had suffered as he concentrated on improving the party image in the wake of last year’s disastrous election results.

“The good news is a combination of his restructuring and disillusionment among the people with the Government has boosted our popularity,” he said.

Mr Allen was referring to an Irish Times poll which showed a three percent rise in support for Fine Gael. However, the same poll showed only three out of 10 voters were satisfied with Mr Kenny’s personal performance.

Speaking in the wake of a special delegates’ weekend conference at Citywest, Dublin, Mr Allen defended his party leader.

“Enda has spent most of his time changing internal structures and it is only now that he can concentrate on external politics. We believe that as people get to know him more over the coming months, support for him will improve. The party came away from the conference more united then it has been for many years. We have a good base to build on with Fine Gael/Labour support on a par with Fianna Fáil/PD support. We are now in a position to challenge all Government policy.”

Speaking at the Campaigning to Win conference, Mr Kenny said the challenge to Fine Gael was about getting people to care.

“And to do that, we have to get them angry. We must expose and oppose the treachery of Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats. We must make sure that when they are disgusted by the lies and the expediency of the Government, that they turn, not to others, but to us.”

He said Fine Gael would reclaim its credentials of honesty and decency and would offer the people a new choice rooted in old values.