It’s only four months since Fine Gael members gathered for their Ard Fheis, the highlight of which was seeing ministers “spin the wheel” in the most cringeworthy video of 2018. But, undeterred, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is having another ‘Fine Gael fest’ this weekend.
The looming elections have knocked the normal run of political conferences out of line, meaning we’ll be treated to Mr Varadkar’s 2019 televised address tonight – just after a genuine episode of ‘Winning Streak’ with Marty Whelan.
Back in November, the Taoiseach’s pitch was very much aimed at the working man and woman. He even had some “average Joes” in the audience for a very staged effort.
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The big announcement was a promise to relentlessly raise the entry point for the higher rate of income tax until it reached €50,000.
There were just two fleeting references to Brexit. But this weekend at a venue just 20 minutes from Rosslare Port, the message will emphatically focused on all things European.
The Irish Independent understands Manfred Weber, the European People Party’s candidate to replace Jean Claude Juncker as EU Commission chief, is to be a “surprise guest” tonight.
The agenda is heavily weighted down with discussions on Europe and their candidates for the European elections, including former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh and ex-SDLP leader Mark Durkan, will be front and centre.
Sources say Mr Varadkar’s speech will also put a focus on Brexit preparedness amid increasing fears that a no-deal scenario is now the most likely outcome.
It’s right that Brexit should be top of the agenda at this crucial point in the history of this country.
However, Fine Gael shouldn’t assume voters will allow the Brexit crisis cloud their judgment when they go to the polls on May 24.
The party’s target for the European elections is to hold its four seats. Even with the two extra seats on offer courtesy of the UK’s exit, it would need to be an extraordinarily good day for them to gain an MEP.
But Mr Varadkar’s first real electoral test will be in the local elections, where Fine Gael floundered in 2014. That is where the real game is at.
Fianna Fáil is already the biggest party in local government and Mary Lou McDonald will be desperate for Sinn Féin to put in an impressive showing after messing up the presidential election.
So when Fine Gael members sit down to work through the big issues, they would do well to remember our homemade problems.
Whereas ‘Ireland At the Heart of Europe’ has its own session led by Tánaiste Simon Coveney, the section on ‘Making Life Easier for Families’ crams “tax reform, social protection changes and education” into one debate.
The conference is the beginning rather than the crescendo of Fine Gael’s election campaign, so setting the tone will be incredibly important.
Voters will want to know whether the country is any closer to resolving the housing crisis that has infected every local authority. Gradual improvements may have taken hold – but the emergency is a long way from cured.
What about health? Brexit aside, is there anything planned to help struggling farmers? When will ‘climate action’ become more than a slogan?
To be fair, the party is putting a big focus on gender equality with Minister Regina Doherty and former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald leading a talk on women in politics.
Health Minister Simon Harris and Dublin Bay South TD Kate O’Connell are on stage for a televised session on ‘Prioritising Women’s Health’.
The Government has often noted Brexit is a British policy. Therefore, our politicians must look beyond it when making their pitches for the local elections.
Source: Read Full Article
Home » Analysis & Comment » Kevin Doyle: 'Fine Gael spins the wheel again – but can't always land on Brexit if it hopes to win elections'
Kevin Doyle: 'Fine Gael spins the wheel again – but can't always land on Brexit if it hopes to win elections'
It’s only four months since Fine Gael members gathered for their Ard Fheis, the highlight of which was seeing ministers “spin the wheel” in the most cringeworthy video of 2018. But, undeterred, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is having another ‘Fine Gael fest’ this weekend.
The looming elections have knocked the normal run of political conferences out of line, meaning we’ll be treated to Mr Varadkar’s 2019 televised address tonight – just after a genuine episode of ‘Winning Streak’ with Marty Whelan.
Back in November, the Taoiseach’s pitch was very much aimed at the working man and woman. He even had some “average Joes” in the audience for a very staged effort.
Please log in or register with Independent.ie for free access to this article.
Log In
New to Independent.ie? Create an account
The big announcement was a promise to relentlessly raise the entry point for the higher rate of income tax until it reached €50,000.
There were just two fleeting references to Brexit. But this weekend at a venue just 20 minutes from Rosslare Port, the message will emphatically focused on all things European.
The Irish Independent understands Manfred Weber, the European People Party’s candidate to replace Jean Claude Juncker as EU Commission chief, is to be a “surprise guest” tonight.
The agenda is heavily weighted down with discussions on Europe and their candidates for the European elections, including former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh and ex-SDLP leader Mark Durkan, will be front and centre.
Sources say Mr Varadkar’s speech will also put a focus on Brexit preparedness amid increasing fears that a no-deal scenario is now the most likely outcome.
It’s right that Brexit should be top of the agenda at this crucial point in the history of this country.
However, Fine Gael shouldn’t assume voters will allow the Brexit crisis cloud their judgment when they go to the polls on May 24.
The party’s target for the European elections is to hold its four seats. Even with the two extra seats on offer courtesy of the UK’s exit, it would need to be an extraordinarily good day for them to gain an MEP.
But Mr Varadkar’s first real electoral test will be in the local elections, where Fine Gael floundered in 2014. That is where the real game is at.
Fianna Fáil is already the biggest party in local government and Mary Lou McDonald will be desperate for Sinn Féin to put in an impressive showing after messing up the presidential election.
So when Fine Gael members sit down to work through the big issues, they would do well to remember our homemade problems.
Whereas ‘Ireland At the Heart of Europe’ has its own session led by Tánaiste Simon Coveney, the section on ‘Making Life Easier for Families’ crams “tax reform, social protection changes and education” into one debate.
The conference is the beginning rather than the crescendo of Fine Gael’s election campaign, so setting the tone will be incredibly important.
Voters will want to know whether the country is any closer to resolving the housing crisis that has infected every local authority. Gradual improvements may have taken hold – but the emergency is a long way from cured.
What about health? Brexit aside, is there anything planned to help struggling farmers? When will ‘climate action’ become more than a slogan?
To be fair, the party is putting a big focus on gender equality with Minister Regina Doherty and former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald leading a talk on women in politics.
Health Minister Simon Harris and Dublin Bay South TD Kate O’Connell are on stage for a televised session on ‘Prioritising Women’s Health’.
The Government has often noted Brexit is a British policy. Therefore, our politicians must look beyond it when making their pitches for the local elections.
Source: Read Full Article