Fine Gael focus on economy and crime at think-in

Crime and the economy will top today’s agenda for Fine Gael’s autumn think-in taking place in Sligo.

Party chairman Tom Hayes said the main Opposition party was in a very optimistic mood ahead of the two-day gathering of TDs and Senators.

He said it was confident it can reach its target of 30 extra Dáil seats at the next General Election.

“The continued growth in support for the party and its leader Enda Kenny in successive polls over the last 18 months encourages us to believe that we will have a very successful election whenever it is called,” Mr Hayes said.

“The meeting in Sligo will focus on issues surrounding the economy and public sector reform, crime and General Election preparations.

“We will also be discussing the country’s future energy needs with speakers from the public and private sector,” Mr Hayes added.

Guest speakers include journalist and author Paul Williams and barrister Paul Anthony McDermott on crime.

Ireland’s future energy needs will be discussed with ESB chief Padraig McManus and Bioverda boss John Mullins.

Presentations on Ireland’s future economic prospects will be given by IDA chief Sean Dorgan and Friends First chief economist Jim Power.

Fianna Fáil, the Greens and Sinn Féin all held their autumn think-ins last week. Labour and the Progressive Democrats will be holding parliamentary party meetings in Cork and Dublin respectively early next week.