Next election a ‘FG v FF battle’

THE next election will be a direct contest between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil with all parties pursuing independent stances, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny told his party yesterday.

That means no deals of the type that saw FG team up with Labour for last May’s election.

Four policy commissions, which will draft party policies, will be established in the coming weeks, Mr Kenny told the FG parliamentary party meeting in Galway.

The commissions will focus on how to create a competitive and green economy, deliver quality public services, ensure trust in politics and tackle the problem of balancing work and family.

Mr Kenny said: “The next election will revolve around one issue: do the people want a Fianna Fáil or a Fine Gael-led government?

“It seems certain that all other parties will adopt an independent stance going into the election. The fallout from this election will convince the voters that the composition of government will only become clear after the election.

“The one certainty is that either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael will lead that government.”

He said the party would have to focus on beating FF on areas of policy, organisation and communication.

While insisting FG had reassured voters it could be trusted with the economy, he conceded the platform was not enough to persuade swing voters. He said it was important to convince the media and the electorate its “poster promises” symbolised a much wider and well-considered reform agenda.

Today, party members are expected to approve a private members’ bill on Shannon Airport calling for the Government to use its shareholding in Aer Lingus to persuade the airline to reverse its decision to transfer the slots.