FG leaders water down grassroots role

FINE GAEL’S leadership has severely watered down proposals to give the party grassroots a majority say in the future election of the party leader.

Only 25% of the voting weight in future leadership elections will now be given to the 30,000 party members and just another 10% to councillors, under plans to introduce an electoral college system.

The vast majority of the decision-making powers, 65% of the voting weight, will remain with the party’s TDs, senators and MEPs, if the proposal is ratified at a special meeting this weekend.