Fine Gael ministers push back on internal report that found party comes across as 'detached'

LAST UPDATE | 5 hrs ago

SENIOR FINE GAEL ministers have pushed back on the idea that the party can come across as “detached, managerial or defensive”, arguing that the party is “deeply connected” to communities across Ireland. 

This morning, the party began its biannual ard fheis in University College Cork, with over 1,200 party members set to attend. 

The two-day event will see party members debate over 100 motions on issues ranging from crime and justice to climate change and agriculture. 

Party members will also discuss the findings and 62 recommendations from the recent internal report carried out by the party’s ‘commission of renewal’, which looks at Fine Gael’s future direction. 

Among the findings of the internal review was that “people do not have a clear idea of what Fine Gael stands for”. 

The review noted that the party has developed “a tone that projects competence, responsibility and economic stewardship” but said while this can be “reassuring in some circumstances” it can also come across as “detached, managerial or defensive when people are frustrated about issues such as housing, healthcare and the cost of living”.

Asked about this today, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill pushed back on the notion and said all Fine Gael elected representatives are “deeply connected” with their communities.

“We’re only here because we know what’s going on in people’s lives behind their doors,” she told reporters.

She said one of the challenges of being in government is communicating what is being done while also being honest about the parameters that exist. 

Junior Minister Emer Higgins added that the point of the internal review was to see how Fine Gael can improve and make sure the leadership is “completely connected with our communities”.

Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton said she does not agree that the party’s tone can sometimes be “detached” but said “maybe we need to do more around the communication”.

“I think what is healthy within Fine Gael is that we are always listening. We are always open to constructive criticism. I think it’s important for any party in this modern day and age that we’re constantly evolving,” she said.

Later today, Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris will deliver a keynote address this evening, which will be televised live on RTÉ One at 6.30pm.

Tomorrow, the party’s ‘Blueprint for a Unified Island’ will be debated and streamed live on the party’s social channels.

Speaking ahead of the ard fheis, Harris said Cork holds a special place in the history and heart of Fine Gael.

“Cork is the home county of Michael Collins, whose courage, ambition and determination to build a free and prosperous Ireland continue to inspire our party…. Here in a county known for its enterprise, ambition and strong communities, it is fitting that we come together to shape the next chapter for Fine Gael and the Ireland we want to build.

“Our ambition is an Ireland alive with possibilities. A country where hard work is rewarded, where young people can build a future, where families can flourish, and where people can grow older with security and dignity,” he said. 

In his speech later this evening, Harris is expected to set out details of the party’s renewal under his leadership, with the Tánaiste also expected to outline when he will return to the Taoiseach’s office next year.

Other areas he will touch on in his speech include law and order, tackling long-term unemployment, a new approach to the challenges and opportunities created AI, improvements to parental leave and a more demanding culture around public expenditure.

Some of the motions to be debated by the party include: 

• one that recognises that public representatives should not provide character references
• one that calls on Fine Gael in government to expand the State’s prison capacity by 50% over the next 4 years
• one that calls on Fine Gael in government to reform alcohol licensing rules to extend nightclub opening hours
• one that calls on Fine Gael in government to make the act of “catfishing” illegal
• one calling to lower the voting age to 16 in local elections

A motion to reaffirm Fine Gael’s centre-right position was rejected by the executive council ahead of the weekend.

With reporting by Christina Finn