Leadership race provides chance for Fine Gael to set new direction

Around the country members are meeting the two men who want the privilege of being Taoiseach, writes Gerard Howlin.

THIS leadership contest is working well for Fine Gael, so far.

As a political party it is getting more concerted attention than any time since the heave against Enda in 2010. There is a better buzz in the ranks than during the ill-fated general election campaign of last year. The move generally among political parties towards an electoral college, or membership-based elections for the leadership, is a sign of the times. The era when the massed ranks will wait respectfully outside a closed conclave and wait for white smoke is over. It’s part of political adjustment to wider cultural change. Unless you meaningfully involve people, it’s harder to get them to come with you. They want their say.