Fianna Fáil begins internal debate

FIANNA FÁIL last night described its first special meeting on party policy as a success, saying many of the proposals from the 70 TDs and Senators who attended will find their way into its election manifesto.

Yesterday’s meeting was the first of four such meetings focusing on policy and strategy that will take place during July.

They were set up by party leader Bertie Ahern to address frustrated backbenchers — including the so-called 16 rebels who signed an email to colleagues — who complained that they were not being afforded a chance to contribute to policy formation.

Yesterday’s meeting focused on the policy areas of three ministers — Micheál Martin in Enterprise; Noel Dempsey in Communications and Resources; and Martin Cullen in Transport.

The responsibilities of Finance Minister Brian Cowen were also due to be examined, but were postponed until later because the other discussions overran.

Some deputies proposed that major Government departments be reconfigured and renamed to reflect changes in society.

One proposal was for a specific Department of Consumer Affairs; another for a separate Department of Food.

There was also strong calls from rural TDs for a revamp of community employment schemes (CES). Several speakers said that CES was introduced to create jobs but were now seen as a vital community resource.

Enterprise and Employment Minister Micheal Martin also said he would take on board the idea of a ‘social economy’ division within his Department, directed at the employment and skills people who were outside, or left behind, by mainstream education.

Mr Martin, speaking after the meeting, said that he and his ministerial colleagues were in listening mode and had heard valuable suggestions that were destined for the party’s manifesto. Some 50 people spoke from the floor, including many of the so-called rebels.

“In terms of manifesting the policy position of Fianna Fáil, today was an important step along the road,” said Mr Martin.

“The concrete manifestation of what we are discussing in the meetings will be found in our manifesto. There was a hardening of the focus of where FF want to take this country in the next five years,” he said.

Two of the TDs who signed the original email described the meeting as very positive.

Cork North Central TD Noel O’Flynn said that it was a great exercise and had vindicated his own views.

“I really got the sense that there was interest in what was said, that Ministers are going to take on board a lot of the very strong proposals that backbenchers made,” he said.

Pat Carey said that Ministers were in listening mode and responded favourably to many suggestions.

One deputy argued that maths and science subjects should attract more points in the Leaving Certificate, to encourage young people into the technology and research sectors.

There was also a strong emphasis on renewable and alternative energy during the debate on Minister Dempsey’s department. Deputies honed in on the public transport aspects of Minister Cullen’s Transport 21 strategy, as well as stressing the need for new strategies and fresh thinking to reduce road deaths.