FG to outline public services reform

Fine Gael will outline policies to transform public services at the final national conference of the pre-election season this weekend.

Leader Enda Kenny will set out his proposals for health, crime and the economy in his televised address on Saturday evening.

Mr Kenny said the party must convince voters that it will create a better quality of life in the years ahead.

In a letter to delegates, he explained: “It’s time to use our thriving economy to transform our public services, so that they, in turn will transform the lives of the Irish people.

“At the ard fheis we will announce further plans to do exactly that.”

He said that Fine Gael doesn’t want to go into Government ’just to keep the seats warm’.

“We want to win so we can make a difference to people’s lives, especially in the vital areas of health, law and order and in tackling the soaring cost of living.”

Mr Kenny also appealed for a record attendance of delegates to the event.

He added: “The current Government have had their chance. Their time has come and gone. It’s time now for change.”

Morning sessions on Saturday will focus on crime, health and a keynote address on the economy by deputy leader Richard Bruton.

In the afternoon, delegates will discuss education, transport, environment and agriculture.

Labour kicked off the party conference season in February, followed by the Progressive Democrats, the Greens, Sinn Féin, and Fianna Fáil last weekend.