Kenny promises local branches greater autonomy

FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny has expanded his strategy shake-up and guaranteed local organisations will not be subject to heavy-handed treatment by headquarters.

Along with the removal of Frank Flannery as director of elections, Mr Kenny told his parliamentary party that headquarters will no longer usurp local organisations by deciding which candidates are allowed to run for the party.

At the local elections the majority of Fine Gael candidates were chosen by conventions. However, an interview process was used in a small number of areas.