Young Fine Gael target issues of suicide, alcohol abuse and property prices
The 12-member national executive wants to have a greater input into the proposed blueprint for an alternative government to be drawn up by party leader Enda Kenny and Labour’s Pat Rabbitte.
“We want to have our say into what Fine Gael will be offering the electorate when it comes around to the general election in 18 months,” said YFG president Patrick O’Driscoll, who will host the Policy Day in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
“We aim to formulate a policy platform to specifically target young voters,” he said.
Other issues to be discussed will be motor insurance, the rip-off culture and funding of the youth work sector.
YFG vice-president Elizabeth Munnelly said: “Our role is to ensure that we have in place the most progressive and radical package of policies to address the concerns of young Ireland.”
Founded in 1977, YFG has 2,200 members between 16 and 30 and is an autonomous wing of Fine Gael which offers a youth perspective on national policies.
A number of members were elected to local authorities in last year’s local elections, including Lucinda Creighton to Dublin City Council.
YFG recently launched high-profile campaigns on suicide awareness and cancer-screening.
Mr Kenny addressed the event in the Traveller’s Friend Hotel in Castlebar.
The draft policies will be agreed at an inaugural national policy council in Co Cork later this month.
Speaking before Saturday’s event in his hometown, Mr Kenny accused the Government of turning a blind eye to the interests of young people.
“I believe our young population is now more politically aware than ever before, and that they can see and appreciate a party which has their interests at heart.
