Is the tide about to turn for Fine Gael after 25 years?

Could Fine Gael actually eclipse rivals Fianna Fáil come election time or is it simply wishful thinking, writes Political Editor Harry McGee.

A QUARTER of a century ago, Fine Gael managed the incredible feat of almost eclipsing Fianna Fáil as the State’s largest party.

Its haul of 70 seats in 1982 (to Fianna Fáil’s 75) was never going to be repeated. In fact, save for one or two small peaks, it has been all downhill since.