Fianna Fáil ‘must listen’ to councillors
The Fianna Fáil leader made the comment yesterday after he met to discuss the party’s future direction with his FF representatives on Cork County Council. Mr Martin said it would be the first of a series of meetings with county councillors around the country.
He said the connection between county councillors and ministers “was lost to a certain extent” and it was a time that such people had a “sharper voice in the party”.
The party has close on 400 councillors throughout the country and Mr Martin said he wanted to increase that power base.
“We have to broaden our base in terms of young people. We will be looking for more under 25s and more women to represent us (on local authorities),” Mr Martin said.
He explained the party hierarchy had become so absorbed in Government it had forgotten the organisation.
“The enormity of the issues we faced in the last three to four years didn’t help because it absorbed so much time,” Mr Martin said.
He said Fianna Fáil would need to encourage its councillors because it would ensure the party had stronger community links.
Mr Martin said he also wanted to engage with ordinary people who weren’t party supporters to formulate policies which were appropriate for 21st century Ireland.
Cllr Alan Coleman, who leads FF representatives on the county council, said he was very encouraged with what his party leader had said.
“This is day one of a new beginning for FF. We’re encouraged that he wants to hear our views. It’s a practical as well as symbolic move for those supporters who are currently deflated,” Mr Coleman said.
Cllr Danny Crowley said: “There’s a new enthusiasm among us councillors now.”
Cllr Michael Pat Murphy said it was vitally important party leaders looked more to the grassroots for advice.
