Fine Gael delegates buoyant at thoughts of real alternative coalition
Buoyed by the prospect of realistically challenging the Government through a coalition with Labour and the Greens, delegates were tripping over themselves to champion the merits of the alternative Opposition.
First-time Cork South West local election candidate, Jerry Buttimer said there was a new sense of hope about his Fine Gael brethren.
"There is a very good vibe about the place, people are genuinely looking for an alternative to Fianna Fáil. It's all over the door steps," he said adding that people were fed up with Fianna Fáil being in government for 17 out of the last 20 years.
Mr Buttimer said Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats had created a them and us society which could be tackled by a new caring opposition.
But he knows that the ability of Fine Gael to go forward in any coalition with Labour and the Greens depends on the party doing well in June's elections and there is no certainty about that given current indicators.
Nevertheless, most delegates were in little doubt that somehow something had changed for the better within the ranks of Fine Gael.
Eamon Barry from Kerry North said he could not remember when the party had had such a positive vibe. "There's a huge buzz about the place. I think looking at it, Enda Kenny has brought an admirable character and charisma to the party," he said, adding that the most striking aspect about the weekend was the number of young delegates.
Maurice Hornett, a first-time local election candidate in Limerick West said he favoured the idea of a coalition but like many was suspicious about the Greens. "I think in the background it has always been there and maybe it's time to get it done," he said.
But the overwhelming sentiment expressed by all delegates was that it was time for the current Government to go.
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