Kenny to deliver keynote address

The Fine Gael ard fheis continues in Dublin today and culminates with Enda Kenny’s televised keynote address tonight.

Mr Kenny will aim to woo voters with new proposals on health, crime and the economy, while attacking the Government’s track record on public services.

Last night the Mayo TD warned that the public will use the General Election to give its verdict on the Government’s handling of the healthcare system.

Ard fheis sessions today will also focus on energy, agriculture, transport, communications and the environment.

Young Fine Gael and the party’s women’s group will also meet for fringe workshops.

One motion on the agenda from Newmarket, Co Cork, calls for automatic remission for prisoners to be removed.

Delegates will also debate a proposal to double funding for initiatives to combat suicide.

Fine Gael, which lost 23 seats in 2002, is fielding a total of 91 General Election candidates, 37 of which are running for the first time.

The ard fheis is being run under the theme For A Better Ireland.