Fine Gael ‘root and branch’ review to focus on attracting new members

'Stocktaking exercise' will allow the party to look forward 'for the next five to 10 years'

Fine Gael has undergone significant renewal in recent months, with 18 TDs having departed politics at the last general election. File picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Fine Gael is to undertake a “root and branch” review of its internal organisation, as party officials seek to prepare it for a possible fifth consecutive term of Government.

The review is set to take the form of an internal commission, with the aim of renewing the party while also serving in Government.

Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed that he would be establishing the commission during a recent meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.

One source at the meeting said that one of the key roles of the commission would be ensuring that the party is in a position to return to government in five years’ time.

Senior party sources confirmed that the review would be primarily based on internal structures and would not look at changing Fine Gael’s policy offering.

RESULTS: GENERAL ELECTION 2024

Scroll for results in your area

Cork East

Cork North Central

Cork North West

Cork South Central

Cork South West

Kerry

Clare

Limerick City

Limerick County

Tipperary North

Tipperary South

Waterford

Dublin Bay North

Dublin Bay South

Dublin Central

Dublin Fingal East

Dublin Fingal West

Dublin Mid West

Dublin North West

Dublin Rathdown

Dublin South Central

Dublin South West

Dublin West

Dun Laoghaire

Carlow/Kilkenny

Kildare North

Kildare South

Laois

Longford/Westmeath

Louth

Meath East

Meath West

Offaly

Wexford

Wicklow

Wicklow/Wexford

Cavan/Monaghan

Donegal

Galway East

Galway West

Mayo

Roscommon/Galway

Sligo/Leitrim

One senior source described it as a “root and branch” examination of the party, particularly looking at how to attract new members.

“It will be about how we attract people into [Fine Gael],” they said. “How do we become a campaigning force? How do we bring new people in? How do we sustain the organisation?”

They noted that Fine Gael undergone significant renewal in recent months, with 18 TDs having departed politics at the last general election.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

There has been a raft of new Fine Gael TDs elected, with 18 of those having had no experience in the Oireachtas until November’s general election.

One source said the review would be a “stocktaking exercise” and allow the party to look forward “for the next five to 10 years”.

While the business of governing was the most important for Fine Gael in the years ahead, work needed to be done within the party to ensure a “freshness”, they said.

“How do we ensure that the party remains relevant and is something that is more than the Government.”

The review comes as former Fine Gael senator Martin Conway resigned the party whip yesterday, after admitting that he was arrested for being intoxicated on O’Connell St in Dublin city centre last month.

In a statement, Mr Conway confirmed that he was released without charge, but that he did not disclose the incident to party officials.

The party confirmed that a disciplinary process would be undertaken, while Mr Conway apologised to his family, party colleagues, supporters, and his nominating body, Vision Ireland.

“I let myself down,” he added, while also apologising to the gardaí who dealt with the matter.