Kenny says electorate is fed up with Govt

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has said he believes the electorate is already fed up with the Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats Government.

Mr Kenny said budget cutbacks, higher charges and increased indirect taxes have left the public feeling deceived following the Government's promise of no cutbacks just days before the election.

He said Fianna Fail has been in power for too long and has begun to breed resentment. "After 14 years of Fianna Fail Government out of the last 20, the time has come for change and people recognise that," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Kenny has also outlined his priorities for 2003. The Fine Gael leader said he plans to continue rebuilding his party nationally following its disastrous general election last May and to devise new policy positions and initiatives to campaign on.

He also said that Fine Gael will focus on identifying candidates for the European and local elections next year, providing effective opposition in the Dail, motivating supporters and convincing others that Fine Gael is a serious political party.