FF grassroots chiefs ‘have nothing to fear’ in reforms

FIANNA FÁIL’S grassroots members have nothing to fear from the party’s reform plans, party chiefs said yesterday.

The party hired a crisis management expert to assist it in examining how to change its structures following the disastrous local and European elections campaign.

In particular, Fianna Fáil will be looking at ensuring it has a presence on the ground in large urban areas, particularly in housing estates, and adjusting its organisation in line with population changes.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern met with representatives of the party at a day-long meeting yesterday to discuss ways to get young people involved in Fianna Fáil and reforming the ineffective aspects of the party’s organisation.

But the general secretary of Fianna Fáil, Seán Dorgan, said there were no plans to strip powers away from the heads of local party branches, or cumann, as part of the reform programme.

“Today’s meeting has not been about taking anything away from anyone,” said Mr Dorgan.

Describing Fianna Fáil as the most significant player in politics in this country, Mr Dorgan said the party needed to adapt to the changing demographics of the country and harness its membership in a more effective manner.

“Undoubtedly, as a political party we probably haven’t been doing things as well as we should.

“I think we need to listen more.

“Our focus today has really been on our organisation,” he said.

The private meeting was addressed by Mr Ahern in the morning, who then departed after lunchtime, without making any public comment on the proceedings.

Recommendations arising out of yesterday’s discussion on a variety of proposals put forward will now go to the party’s national executive, or árd comhairle, said Deputy Government Chief Whip Billy Kelleher. “We will act very quickly. The organisation has gone a little stale. We don’t have as many young members involves as in the past,” he said.

But Mr Kelleher said the party was always changing to ensure it remains dynamic and modern.

“Fianna Fáil has been evolving since 1926. We recognise we have to because the old structures may need to be changed,” he said.

According to a party spokesperson, the meeting was independently chaired by communications consultant Peter Finnegan.

The managing director of Communiqué International specialises in projects involving media and crisis communication and training.