Kenny appeals for referendum yes vote
Opening Fine Gael’s first ard fheis in Government in 16 years, the party leader told delegates he was confident the May 31 referendum would be passed.
He said the message he had received during his recent visits to the US and China was that it was essential that Ireland remained a eurozone member.
Addressing party members in Dublin’s National Convention Centre, he mentioned jobs 10 times during his 13-minute speech: “This referendum offers this country a vital and unique opportunity to send out a powerful signal around the globe that Ireland believes in the future of Europe, and of the euro currency.
“In recent months, numerous multinational companies have voted confidence in Ireland by committing to new investments to create new jobs.
“I want this strong flow of inward investment to continue and grow in the future.
“I want Ireland to have the same access as other countries to the insurance policy of the European Stability Mechanism — a crucial reassurance for investors.
“The best way we can ensure this is a resounding yes to jobs, yes to Ireland and yes to Europe on 31st May.”
Simon Coveney, the agriculture minister, was last night given the job of heading up the party’s campaign for a yes vote, as national director for the referendum.
Mr Kenny made the link between more jobs and a yes vote several times in his speech.
After arriving to rounds of applause onstage from his Cabinet colleagues, among others, he spoke of how Fine Gael had made a solid start in government with its Labour partners.
Public finances were coming under control and the banks had been downsized, he said.
Focusing on financial and economic issues, Mr Kenny said: “We have made a start on jobs but there is much more to be done.”
Much of the speech also centred on Europe. Mr Kenny said: “The issue at stake in this referendum is straightforward: Will we do what is needed to keep getting jobs back and get Ireland working?”
“I am confident they [voters] will instead approve this treaty, which will ensure other EU members follow the same sound budget rules we ourselves have now adopted, build confidence in both Europe and Ireland, and ensure that investment and jobs keep flowing into our country.”
Mr Kenny pledged that his party would campaign strongly for a yes vote in every town, city and parish in the country.
He told delegates to enjoy the ard fheis weekend but also gave them a cautious warning not to overdo it.
Party delegates will debate dozens of motions today, with the economy, health and political reform among the issues before Mr Kenny’s keynote speech this evening.
There was a buoyant mood in the air and a spring in the step of delegates and party members as they arrived at the convention centre on Dublin’s quays yesterday.
Fine Gael ministers smiled to the cameras while grassroots party members were near- ecstatic.
The party’s first ard fheis in Government since the mid-1990s saw leader Enda Kenny arrive, guarded by party officials, to the sound of cheers.
Senior party members are conscious of members letting their hair down too much though, or of any celebrations breaking out.
Even the Taoiseach told delegates not to overdo it.
Security was tight at the centre, especially ahead of the crowds which are expected to gather outside in protest against the household charge later today.
Party members will debate a series of motions today, including on jobs, sport, Europe, constitutional reform, and even the Vatican.
Despite the attendance of 4,000 delegates, only 2,000 will be able to fit into the main auditorium to watch Mr Kenny’s keynote speech later this evening.
— Juno McEnroe
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