Fine Gael conference to debate party leader election process

Under the current system, the parliamentary party accounts for 65% of the vote, while ordinary members contribute 25% and councillors 10%

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is set to attend a discussion on building 'stronger, safer communities' during the Fine Gael conference in Co Kildare today. File picture

Fine Gael members are set to debate how they will elect their future leaders as the party kicks off its one-day special conference in Co Kildare on Saturday.

The conference, taking place in the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth, is set to focus on agriculture and rural Ireland as well as the role of ordinary members, with Fine Gael ministers, TDs, and senators due to attend.

One of the key discussions will be around how Fine Gael elects its party leader.

Under the current system, the Fine Gael parliamentary party has the most weight, accounting for 65% of the vote, while ordinary members contribute 25% and councillors 10%.

It is understood that there has been chatter among party members about their involvement in the leadership election process, with some seeking more sway in key decision-making processes. However, members will only be able to debate the issue this weekend, as Fine Gael is not due to host its ard fheis until next April.

Other sessions include a discussion around building “stronger, safer communities”, which is set to be attended by Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris.

Party sources have been keen to stress that the conference is not an ard fheis, with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar not due to deliver a keynote address, similar to speeches given at recent Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin conferences.

Around 500 to attend

However, Mr Varadkar and other Cabinet ministers are due to hold a question and answer session for attending Fine Gael members. It is expected that around 500 will be in attendance.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Varadkar said that his party wanted to deliver for rural Ireland, citing the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development.

“Fine Gael has always supported farmers and the agri-food sector and we remain focused on providing solutions just as we have done in recent times of economic uncertainty,” said Mr Varadkar.

“In Government, our party has done its utmost both at home and at European level to mitigate the most severe effects of issues around market access and input costs — unique challenges that were caused by Brexit and the war in Ukraine.”

The conference comes ahead of the local and European elections, with Fine Gael having selected around 70% of its candidates for the local elections, with a further 31 selection conventions to be held in the coming months.