New health chief to address FG think-in

The new head of the nation’s health service will be one of the speakers at Fine Gael’s party think-in in Co Laois next week.

Workshops will help TDs and Senators target issues for the new Dail term and energise their constituencies ahead of the General Election.

Prof Brendan Drumm, who began as chief of the Health Service Executive last month, will join economist David McWilliams in the line-up of high profile speakers in Portlaoise.

The two-day meeting will focus on key issues of health, crime and the economy.

“Health is the number one issue of concern to the people of Ireland and we are pleased to have the opportunity to hear from Professor Drumm about the enormous task which faces him,” Fine Gael Parliamentary Party chairman Tom Hayes said.

The think-in will also review Fine Gael’s antisocial behaviour campaign ‘A Night in the Life’.

The campaign has organised 50 public meetings around the country and detailed feedback has been collected on the www.SafeStreets.ie website.

RTÉ broadcaster McWilliams will speak to the party about Ireland’s economic challenge.

The think-in will also have a special pre-General Election focus on campaigning, communications and organisation.

The party has not ruled out further high-profile ‘parachutes’ like MEP Mairead McGuinness and O’Briens sandwich bars boss Brody Sweeney.

A selection convention for Jim Mitchell’s old seat in the Taoiseach’s Dublin Central constituency takes place on Monday evening.

“We want competitive conventions and energised and motivated constituency machines,” a party source said.

Party chairman Mr Hayes said TDs and Senators were entering the autumn Dail session in good heart.

“We must build on our electoral success in the local and European elections and in the Meath by-election.

“We must continue to develop the alternative and better government which the people are looking for,” he said.