RENEWAL A Fianna Fáil News Update
Autumn 2011
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ORGANISATION
Read Your Renewal Ideas
Ógra Structures Overhauled
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www.fiannafail.ie
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renewal@fiannafail.ie
POLICY and POLITICS First Policy Conference Held a Great Success.
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Focussing on the Future Learning from the Past Micheál Martin TD, Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil
After a very difficult general election, the work of rebuilding and renewing our Party is now very much underway. This renewal effort must be different. We must look at ourselves honestly as a Party, identify our strengths, while at the same time admitting the mistakes we made in the past, and learning from them. This renewal effort must improve how the Party communicates, both within itself, and to the public at large. We must look at how we organise ourselves, see the limitations of our current structures and fundamentally change them if necessary. And we must ensure that we rebuild from the grassroots up, listening to our members as we do so. Listening and Learning As I travel the country, it is that energy and commitment of the hard-working Party members which has been truly heartening. Thousands of members and supporters have come to constituency meetings to have their say, and over a thousand more have sent messages about how they feel the party should renew itself, both in its organisation, and in the policies we should pursue. In our past, the periods of expansion and renewal in the Party always began with an inclusive policy process. The innovation and radicalism that characterised the Party’s first years still inspires me. And that same spirit was very much in evidence at our first policy conference, Educating for the Future, held in
Micheál Martin TD, Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil.
Birr some months ago. Already, members’ and supporters’ ideas are being looked at by each of our policy spokespeople and their teams. I encourage you to contact our policy spokespersons in order to have your say in the process of writing Fianna Fáil’s new policy agenda. Please email renewal@fiannafail.ie. Opening Up The Organisation As Leader, I also want to improve the experience of being a member of Fianna Fáil. Our Party should foster a culture that is welcoming to new members, that values existing members, and that encourages and welcomes debate. It is the view of a great proportion of our members that the best way to give power to our members is through a one member one vote system. All members of a registered cumann should
Listening to Members Party Leader Micheál Martin TD has now visited over two-thirds of the constituencies in the country as he continues his nationwide tour. These meetings are an important step in the
have a vote; they should decide who represents them and how the party progresses. Ours should be an open, welcoming, memberdriven organisation. A Party which is in touch This Renewal Bulletin includes information on the other activities taking place to renew our Party, some of your views on the Party’s future, and some of the work we’re undertaking in the Dáil. I want Fianna Fáil to be the great party it once was and to be in touch with, and responsive to, the needs of the Irish people. I am listening to you as we focus on what needs to be done to build a stronger, fairer, more prosperous Ireland, just as our founders had envisaged. This work will continue for some time to come. These first steps, which we have taken together, have been greatly encouraging.
Party Leader’s Nationwide Tour
renewal process. They give members the opportunity to make their voices heard to Micheál, and for him to listen. Thousands of members have attended these meetings so far.
They have proved to be both energetic and engaging. Micheál hopes to conclude his tour in September. If you have any feedback from a renewal meeting you have attended we would like to hear from you. Please send your comments to renewal@fiannafail.ie .
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Voice of the Member Your Renewal Ideas Over one thousand members and supporters have answered Micheál Martin’s call for ideas on how our Party can renew itself. Some members and cumainn have sent in ideas on Party policies, strategy, improving our communications, and reforming our structures. Have you had your say on the renewal of Fianna Fáil? Ask your Comhairle Ceantair and Comhairle Dáil Ceantair Officers to organise meeting to discuss the renewal of Fianna Fáil in your area. Following from these meetings, each Comhairle Ceantair has been requested to prepare a renewal plan. Submit your ideas to your local plan, or contribute your views to renewal@fiannafail.ie. Alternatively, write to Seán Dorgan, General Secretary, Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65-66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. All views submitted will be treated as confidential. Here is just a selection of the responses we have received so far. Each member’s permission was sought before their publication here.
Mary Carson, Kildare North
Adrian Kenny, Co. Sligo I am in favour of one member one vote. But I think the notion of rebuilding should be exchanged with redefining the party. Rebuild suggests the same politics approach again. FF needs a new approach to old values. We must be seen to actively change our approach by changing our methods of engagement and leading the way as opposed to competing with other parties.
Cathal O'Callaghan, Cork North West I think the party needs a 'hearts and minds' approach to winning back some votes from the people. I would suggest that efforts need to be made, not only from the top down, but also from the bottom up. To that end, I think FF members should be more involved at community level. From listening to people on the doorsteps during the last election, I think people feel that FF has changed from being the party for the common man to a party for the elite. I think that, by becoming involved in community projects, FF can gradually win support back piece by piece. "All politics is local", after all.
The Party should show a good level of understanding, compassion and empathy with the people especially with the elderly, families and ordinary working people.
Seámus McKernan, Kildare South Great idea for the Party Leader to do the "Town Hall " circuit. It was refreshing to listen to his vision for the party and we will grow again from the grassroots up. Give the ordinary member ownership again of the Party and this time the leadership must listen to us, and I think they will. Coming out of our meeting I had people asking me how do they join. They felt they have things to contribute. We should restate that we are the people's party and that nobody is excluded. We are the Party of the people and the Party for the people.
David Roughan, Dublin North As a loyal 17.4% please don't alter the party title. The Republican Party must remain. Good luck to Micheál for this initiative.
Marc Wynne, Louth New Fianna Fáil needs to leave the past behind, concentrate on the future, be dynamic in its thinking, deploy young forward-thinking representatives in each constituency and be seen as a more professional organisation.
Mark Lavery, Northern Ireland I would like to see more organisation in the North! We have a real chance to make gains here and I'd like to see this happening.
Marie Grimes McGrath, Tipperary North I feel that the Party should meet with people at frontline level, working in various areas of life who will have a wealth of information on Public Sector Reform, Social Welfare issues and other aspects of where Services can be reformed.
Ciaran FitzGerald, Meath East Each cumann and CDC should engage in its own strategic review like the one being done by Micheál. We have been doing this in the Dunsaughlin CC with Mary Wallace and Thomas Byrne. We identified that the demographic of the 25-40 year olds abandoned us. We set up a group called the Future's Group to target this demographic in our area- targeting young professionals. We meet with our national representative Thomas Byrne once a month to conduct this review and plan newsletters, events etc. Thinking nationally, acting locally. The Future's Group has been a massive success and we would recommend other areas implement such a group/ committee.
www.fiannafail.ie
renewal@fiannafail.ie
Mary O’Regan, Kerry The people on the ground should be listened to and I am glad to hear that the leadership is looking in that direction. The Party needs be more attractive to young people and women. Fianna Fáil always looked after the ordinary working people and the older people and they should revert back to those ideals.
www.fiannafail.ie renewal@fiannafail.ie
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“A Brilliant Politician, A Proud Irishman, A Great Friend” A Tribute to Brian Lenihan by Micheál Martin, TD Brian's passing is deeply felt on all sides of Dáil Éireann. Many of us have been numbed by the loss of a brilliant politician, a proud Irishman and, to so many of us here, a great friend. Brian fought a brave and courageous battle with a serious illness over the past eighteen months. In all of this time, Brian never once flinched from his public duties and he showed an unceasing and untiring commitment to tacking the economic crisis facing this country. Even when receiving debilitating treatment, Brian continued to work assiduously in the best interests of this country. For Brian Lenihan, that was always paramount. Brian’s commitment in doing his utmost for the Irish people defines modern patriotism and all that is laudable in our politics. His loss to Irish public life is immense. As a ministerial colleague, I was privileged to observe Brian Lenihan at close quarters. He had my complete admiration. He was, quite simply, brilliant and often in a league of his own. He was a solutions-based politician, with a sharp and incisive mind, and an uncanny ability to get things done. Brian Lenihan faced events at a scale and a pace of magnitude that no other Irish Minister has ever previously had to contend. He rose to this unprecedented challenge and he never complained. His performance characterised grace under pressure. He was tested – and tested hard – but he played a stellar role in meeting the fiscal crisis head-on. When Ireland was in the eye of the storm, Brian Lenihan never faltered. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to
Brian Lenihan A Tribute Martin Mansergh
Brian Lenihan had qualities of statesmanship. Confronted with unprecedented difficulties facing not alone the Exchequer but our entire banking system, he stood resolutely in the breach, like certain figures from antiquity with whom he was well familiar. Public confidence rested on his shoulders, as he led the battle to stabilise a rapidly deteriorating situation and to preserve at least the more solid gains of the previous 20 years. Public Respect Whatever view might be taken of particular decisions at critical moments, Brian Lenihan
“When Ireland was in the eye of a storm, Brian Lenihan never faltered.”
Brian’s wife Patricia, his son Tom, his daughter Claire, his mum Mrs Ann Lenihan, his brothers, Conor, Niall and Paul, his sister Anita, his aunt Mary O’Rourke, his extended family and many, many friends.
achieve more. He spent all of his time in politics in vigorous pursuit of the public interest. He packed so much into too short a life. And he did it all with great humanity, with wisdom and always with a smile upon his face.
My own abiding memory of Brian Lenihan is of a politician who was never deflated, who was always optimistic and was always restless to
Well done Brian, you have done us all proud. Now rest in peace my friend.
enjoyed huge public respect in the way that he faced up to adversity. The invitation to give the Beal na mBlath address in memory of Michael Collins was a poignant highlight of his career, that showed the breadth of his political sympathies. He came from one of Ireland’s foremost political families, succeeding his father in a by-election. Even before entering the Dáil, he contributed to the reformulation and modernisation of Fianna Fáil’s basic aims, adopted in 1997. As chairman of the Oireachtas Constitutional Review Committee, he led a process which in its reports will provide both the research and the recommendations to guide future constitutional reform. He left a strong mark as Children’s Minister with access to cabinet, both in extra provision for early education and in the creation of better protection for children. As a barrister he was in his element in Justice, when he was finally appointed to the cabinet in 2007. He was called to Finance a year
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
later, the most important department in Government. The full-blown international financial crisis in September 2008 found Ireland badly overexposed after several years of unbalanced growth. Successive and intensifying stringency measures had to be adopted, if basic services, on which all had come to rely, as well as the public service pay roll, were to be sustained. Focussed on his Duties It is greatly to Brian Lenihan’s credit and that of his colleagues that the necessary changes and reforms were embarked upon, and that public anger was channelled through the democratic system, rather than spilling over into destructive acts outside it. The public interest was put ahead of all party or indeed personal considerations. When his illness manifested itself, he focused on his core duties, delegating other parliamentary and international work. He
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maintained a good personal rapport with his European colleagues. Any differences he had were mainly with the European Central Bank, who, he felt, bounced Ireland prematurely into seeking an IMF/EU/ECB package, dashing his efforts to maintain Ireland’s economic independence through the crisis. The amount of heavy lifting that he did, in the 2011 Budget and negotiating the package, has enabled a new Government (in which he is replaced by two ministers) to enjoy a honeymoon, before taking on further difficult decisions. Brian Lenihan was deeply committed to the welfare of the people of his constituency in Dublin West, who re-elected him in February, leaving him a lone Dáil survivor amongst Party colleagues in the capital. He was deeply concerned about the party’s future, and that it should take every possible measure to ensure that it would not suffer a similar fate to the once dominant Irish Parliamentary Party in 1918.
Courage and Sacrifice His genial and patriotic contribution to leadership will be sadly missed, underlining the pressing and ongoing need for representation of a high calibre in the party and in the State, which goes well beyond both the populist and the parochial. His courage and sacrifice gave
a supreme example that the survival of the State and its people represents a higher ethic than self-preservation. Our deepest sympathy and appreciation go to his wife Patricia, and all the members of his family.
Making Our Party More Representative
Date for your Diary
Gender Equality
President’s Dinner
With just two women in our Parliamentary Party, Fianna Fáil faces a significant challenge to ensure that there is greater balance in representation at its highest levels. As a Party that strives to serve all in our society, we must ensure that our representatives reflect the society they serve. Legislation on Candidates In May, the Government announced its intention to introduce legislation whereby political parties must ensure that 30% of their candidates at the next general election are women. If parties fail to comply, they will lose 50% of their state funding. Party Leader Micheál Martin has established a task force, led by Senator Averil Power, to address this issue. To commence its work, the task force is asking for suggestions from members. If you have any suggestions on this matter please write to The Task Force on Gender Equality c/o Fianna Fáil Headquarters or e-mail aidan@fiannafail.ie .
Local Area Representatives Programme As part of our renewal process, it is vital that we strengthen our organisation in each community across the country. The Fianna Fáil Ard Comhairle recently approved the establishment of the Local Area Representatives Programme for areas where our roots are not as strong as they have been in the past. We are looking to appoint people with the ability and the desire to make a real difference in their communities and to contribute to public life. That means men and women with the potential to be the next generation of elected representatives for Fianna Fáil in their own localities. Our strength has always been our presence on the ground and it is imperative that we put people in place in areas needing Fianna Fáil representation. To find out more information on the programme, please contact Fianna Fáil General Secretary Seán Dorgan in Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65-66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. www.fiannafail.ie
renewal@fiannafail.ie
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This year’s President’s Dinner will be held on Saturday, 1st October 2011 in the Burlington Hotel, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4 at 7:30pm sharp. Guest of Honour is Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin TD. Tickets are €85 each or €800 for a table of ten and are now available from Clare at Fianna Fáil Headquarters – 01 6761551, or cairdefail@fiannafail.ie
Radical Overhaul for Ógra The National Youth Committee has passed measures to radically overhaul the structures of Ógra Fianna Fáil. It follows a period of an extensive consultation with Ógra members nationwide as part of the renewal within Fianna Fáil. The new structures will include a smaller and more defined National Youth Committee and a newly established National Council consisting of 3 delegates per Ógra CDC/Third Level Cumainn. Excitingly, these new changes will also see a directly elected Uachtarán Ógra Fhianna Fáil for the first time. This new structure has been approved by the Ard Chomhairle for implementation at the next National Youth Conference later this year. If you would like to find out more about these welcome changes please visit www.ogra.ie. or contact National Youth Officer Brian Doyle in Headquarters on briandoyle@fiannafail.ie
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ORGANISATION
Ensuring that we have Resources to Campaign Effectively Finance Update Niall Collins TD & Hugh Dolan, Joint Honorary Treasurers We would like to extend our thanks to all members and supporters who work so hard on the various Party fundraising initiatives. 90% of all contributions received by our Party come in less than €100 sums. We are very grateful to all the people that make contributions, of whatever size. National Collection & National Draw The National Collection has now taken place in most CDCs. If your Cumann didn’t take up the collection, it may be possible to arrange an alternative date to do so. Contact Catherine Whelan in Headquarters for more details – catherine@fiannafail.ie . Last year’s National Draw accounted for 50% of our total fundraising that year. The five top performing CDCs were: Cavan; Offaly; Clare; Roscommon; and Galway West. The best individual ticket seller for 2010 was Cllr. Martin Connaughton from Co. Roscommon. Our next Draw will be launched in September this year and it will take place in December. We ask that all members and supporters to please work with us to ensure that it is a success.
In addition, we are looking for more draw co-ordinators. If you are interested in helping us in your constituency, please contact Darragh McShea –darragh@fiannafail.ie . Fundraising Moratorium The Ard Chomhairle recently Mary Devine O’Callaghan and Cllr. Martin Connaughton; agreed that a moratorium on all Roscommon’s leading fundraisers. fundraising activities be put in place for the duration of the that we clear that debt and prepare for future Super Draw. This is applicable to all members elections and campaigns. We are asking and units of the organisation and we ask members and supporters to please consider everyone adheres to it. The Draw is the making a once-off contribution to help us to do largest fundraiser the Party holds each year so. We appreciate it is a difficult time and are and it is vitally important that it is a success. A very grateful for any support you may be able moratorium on fundraising has been put in to provide. place for each of the last three Draws. We thank you in advance for your cooperation Fundraising Ideas or Suggestions? and support for the Draw and your adherence We are actively working to ensure that we to the moratorium. grow our fundraising base so that we can Once–off Contribution ensure that the Party has the resources necessary to campaign effectively. If you The Party has a significant debt that has been have any suggestions in the area, please incurred over many years fighting elections contact Darragh McShea in Headquarters. and campaigns. It is important that we ensure
Active in Every Community
Local Representatives’ Update
Cllr. Gerry Horkan, Chairperson, National Councillors’ Forum Fianna Fáil holds over 400 county, city, and town council positions, with councillors active in almost every community nationwide. In recent weeks, members of the Councillors’ Forum have met with Party Leader Micheál Martin. Micheál has agreed to put in place measures to support our councillors and ensure that their expertise and commitment can be harnessed to best effect in the Renewal of Fianna Fáil. Three members of the Parliamentary Party have been appointed to liaise with the Councillors’ Forum. They are: Robert Troy TD, Senator Darragh O’Brien and Senator Mary White. The Councillors’ Forum executive will now engage in regular meetings with the full Parliamentary Party, the first such meeting having been held in July. Councillors’ Conference
Cllrs Denis Glennon, Danny Brady, Michael Cahill & Mary Fitzpatrick pictured at Fianna Fáil’s Educating for the Future policy conference.
Finally, the Fianna Fáil Councillors’ Conference is planned for 24th September in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. This conference will provide an opportunity for all councillors to discuss matters of mutual interest, and debate the next steps in the renewal of Fianna Fáil. Councillors should register by contacting Aidan O’Gorman, aidan@fiannafail.ie .
Fianna Fáil’s Newest Councillor Cllr. Niamh Kiernan Cllr. Niamh Kiernan is Fianna Fáil’s newest councillor, having replaced Dáil-bound Robert Troy in his Mullingar West seat in March. For Niamh, politics is about getting back in touch with people on the ground, the cumann members of Fianna Fáil. Niamh has been involved in the party from an early age, immersing herself in successive election campaigns. At the age of 20, she succeeded her father as chair of the Rathowen FF cumann. Five years later, she was selected to replace Robert Troy on the Council, as the party sought to maintain its town/rural balance in Mullingar West. Cllr Niamh Kiernan takes her seat in the Westmeath County Council chamber
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Ógra Fianna Fáil Planning for the Future Pauline Byrne, Ógra Communications Officer In the coming months Ógra will continue its great work in policy workshops and in the writing of policy documents. We hope to soon launch a detailed policy paper on "Ógra's Vision for Education in Ireland for the Next 10 Years". We will also have a policy booklet which all of our College Cumainn can use in their Freshers’ week campaigns. Recent Ógra events include the annual Ógra Summer School. Speakers at this year’s School included Aebhric McGibney, Director of Policy, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Eddie Molloy, Director, Advanced Organisation. This was followed by a Hawaiian themed Ógra
Summer Barbeque, which was attended by over 200 members. I would like to encourage all members to get in touch with the National Youth Committee, with any views or ideas which you may have. We would be particularly interested in hearing how we can open up Ógra to make welcoming to all young people. The National Youth Committee is elected by the members, and it should be undertaking events and policy decisions with the input and agreement of its members. Please contact me at pauline.byrne@ogra.ie for more information. Members of Ógra Fianna Fáil enjoying last year’s Ógra Summer Barbeque
Communicating with Members The Party Bulletin if one message is coming loud and clear from both Micheál’s tour and from the Renewal emails, it is that the levels and quality of communications with members must increase. That is why a new email Bulletin has been launched. It contains news from the Dáil, key Party messages, information on events and conferences, and updates on the Party’s renewal. It is sent by email every Friday. If you do not get the Bulletin and would like to receive it, or have any suggestions to improve it, please contact Paul Sammon in Fianna Fáil Headquarters – paul@fiannafail.ie .
Profile: Glasnevin Museum Preserving the Past for Future Generations
Request for Volunteers Over the coming months we will be embarking on significant organisational changes. To do this we are consulting widely with our members and supporters. We need help with this project. We are seeking volunteers to help in Fianna Fáil Headquarters. If you can commit even a few hours every week, it would be greatly valued. Please contact Clare in Headquarters, clare@fiannafail.ie, to arrange a meeting to discuss.
AGM Reminder Has you Cumann/ Comhairle Ceantair/ Comhairle Dáil Ceantair held its AGM and registered for 2011 yet? It is vital that the details of all members are submitted to Headquarters to ensure that all are informed of upcoming events and can participate fully. Please contact Catherine Whelan for more information – catherine@fiannafail.ie .
Glasnevin Museum is a marvellous introduction to the history of Ireland contained within the walls of Glasnevin Cemetery. The exhibitions designed by Martello Media covering two floors show the social, historical, political and artistic development of modern Ireland through the lives of the generations buried in Ireland’s necropolis. A tour of Glasnevin Cemetery with one of the experienced guides includes the graves of many of the key personalities in Irish history; Éamon de Valera, Michael Collins, Countess Markievicz, Maud Gonne McBride, and Roger Casement. There is also exclusive access to the crypt of Daniel O’Connell. The team at Glasnevin Museum have devised an extensive tour menu that includes: The Women of Glasnevin, Literary & Cultural Glasnevin, Religions of Glasnevin and Military Glasnevin, as well as an insightful school tour programme. Special Fianna Fáil Member Offer: Special Group Rate, Glasnevin Museum & Tour: €8 per person (for groups of over 10 people) -This is a 20% reduction from the normal rate; Contact Glasnevin Museum on 01 8826550 or museum@glasnevintrust.ie to avail of your special rate. www.fiannafail.ie
renewal@fiannafail.ie
Glasnevin Museum in Dublin
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ORGANISATION
Your Dáil, Seanad, and European Parliament Spokespersons TD
Constituency
Responsibility
Micheál Martin, TD
Cork South-Central
Party Leader and Northern Ireland
micheal.martin@oireachtas.ie
John Browne, TD
Wexford
Marine and Fisheries
john.browne@oireachtas.ie
Dara Calleary, TD
Mayo
Justice, Equality and Defence
dara.calleary@oireachtas.ie
Niall Collins, TD
Limerick
Environment, Community and Local Government
niall.collins@oireachtas.ie
Barry Cowen, TD.
Laois-Offaly
Social Protection
barry.cowen@oireachtas.ie
Timmy Dooley, TD
Clare
Transport, Tourism and Sport
timmy.dooley@oireachtas.ie
Sean Fleming, TD
Laois-Offaly
Public Expenditure and Public Sector Reform
sean.fleming@oireachtas.ie
Billy Kelleher, TD
Cork North-Central
Health
billy.kelleher@oireachtas.ie
Michael Kitt, TD
Galway East
Housing, Planning and Gaeltacht Affairs
michael.kitt@oireachtas.ie
Seamus Kirk, TD
Louth
Horticulture and Rural Affairs
seamus.kirk@oireachtas.ie
Charlie McConalogue, TD
Donegal North-East
Children
charlie.mcconalogue@oireachtas.ie
Michael McGrath, TD
Cork South-Central
Finance
michael.mcgrath@oireachtas.ie
John McGuinness, TD
Carlow-Kilkenny
Small Business Regulatory Framework
john.mcguinness@oireachtas.ie
Michael Moynihan, TD
Cork North-West
Agriculture and Food
michael.moynihan@oireachtas.ie
Éamon Ó Cuív, TD
Galway West
Deputy Leader & Communications Energy & Natural Resources
eamon.ocuiv@oireachtas.ie
Willie O'Dea, TD.
Limerick City
Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation
willie.odea@oireachtas.ie
Seán O'Fearghail, TD
Kildare South
Whip and Foreign Affairs and Trade
sean.ofearghail@oireachtas.ie
Brendan Smith, TD
Cavan-Monaghan
Education and Skills
brendan.smith@oireachtas.ie
Robert Troy, TD
Longford-Westmeath
Arts and Heritage
robert.troy@oireachtas.ie
Senator
Constituency
Responsibility
Senator Thomas Byrne
Meath East
Public Expenditure and Reform
thomas.byrne@oireachtas.ie
Senator Mark
Daly
Kerry South
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources
mark.daly@oireachtas.ie
Senator Terry
Leyden
Roscommon-South Leitrim
Children and European Affairs
terry.leyden@oireachtas.ie
Senator Marc MacSharry
Sligo-North Leitrim
Health
marc.macsharry@oireachtas.ie
Senator Paschal
Mooney
Sligo-North Leitrim
Social Protection
paschal.mooney@oireachtas.ie
Senator Darragh
O'Brien
Dublin North
Finance & Seanad Leader
darragh.obrien@oireachtas.ie
Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill
Donegal South-West
Agriculture Marine and Food
brian.odomhnaill@oireachtas.ie
Senator Denis O'Donovan
Cork South-West
Justice, Equality and Defence
denis.odonovan@oireachtas.ie
Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú
Tipperary South
Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs
labhras.omurchu@oireachtas.ie
Senator Ned
Kerry North-West Limerick
Transport, Tourism and Sport
ned.osullivan@oireachtas.ie
Dublin North East
Education and Skills
averil.power@oireachtas.ie
Senator Jim Walsh
Wexford
Foreign Affairs and Trade
jim.walsh@oireachtas.ie
Senator Mary
Dublin South-East
Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation
mwhite@oireachtas.ie
Cavan-Monaghan
Environment, Community, & Local Govt and Seanad Whip
diarmuid.wilson@oireachtas.ie
O'Sullivan
Senator Averil
Power
White
Senator Diarmuid
Wilson
Our TDs and Senators can be contacted directly in Leinster House on (01) 618 3000
MEP
Constituency
Liam Aylward MEP
Ireland East
liam.aylward@europarl.europa.eu
Brian Crowley MEP
Ireland South
info@briancrowleymep.ie
Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP
Ireland North West
patthecope.gallagher@europarl.europa.eu
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First Policy Conference:
Educating for the Future
Education is, and always has been, a core priority for Fianna Fáil, and was a natural choice for our first Party conference with members. The conference was hosted by the Party’s Dáil and Seanad Spokespersons on Education, Brendan Smith TD and Senator Averil Power. The conference was packed to capacity with members travelling from all over the country. Serious Challenges Party Leader Michéal Martin TD spoke of Fianna Fáil’s “sheer innovation and radicalism that characterised the party’s first years” and our “commitment to the role of education in achieving social and economic progress”. He spoke about the serious challenges to be confronted in education in the years ahead but that the party is determined to engage with members on education policy. Professor Tom Collins addressed a broad range of issues in education from pre-school education, through to literacy and numeracy at primary level, disengagement with the post primary curriculum and participation and costs at third level. Professor Tom Collins
Feedback from Members Professor Collins’ presentation was followed
Local TD Barry Cowen is joined by Seanad Education Spokesperson Senator Averil Power and frontbench Spokesperson Brendan Smith TD.
by an extensive question and answer session from members. The feedback from members has provided the party with a greater focus on the policy direction that now needs to be taken. Please contact Brendan Smith (brendan.smith@oireachtas.ie) or Averil Power (averil.power@oireachtas.ie) with your ideas for renewing our education policies.
European Parliament Report European Commission Freezes CAP spending at 2013 levels Pat the Cope Gallagher, MEP Important budgetary negotiations will soon commence following the publication of the recommendations by the European Commission. These negotiations between the European Commission, Council and the European Parliament are critical for Irish farmers, their families, rural communities and the food sector. The importance of the Common Agricultural Policy in supporting farm incomes and job creation in rural Ireland is immense. That is
Social Media Update Members’ Hub Ciaran Bolger
www.fiannafail.ie
renewal@fiannafail.ie
why it is vital for the Irish Government to protect the €1.8 billion, which Ireland receives annually under the CAP. The Government must ensure that inflation is taken into account when the 27 Member States begin their negotiations. Working with my colleagues Liam Aylward MEP and Brian Crowley MEP, I will do my utmost in the European Parliament to protect and to maintain the level of EU support allocated to Irish farmers across the country.
Would you like to discuss some of the issues written about here with other Fianna Fáil members? Are there areas of organisation or policy on which you would like to hear other members’ views? Do you think there is a need to create a communications channel throughout the Fianna Fáil Party? A Fianna Fáil members’ discussion board will soon be launched with this objective in mind. Our aim is to build a strong and vibrant online community and create an opportunity for all members of Fianna Fáil to be able to express their views, build friendships and to connect with our public representatives.
The importance of the Common Agricultural Policy in supporting farm incomes and job creation in rural Ireland is immense
The running and the moderation of this forum will be by members and has the full support and encouragement of Party Leader Micheál Martin and General Secretary Seán Dorgan. This is our opportunity to learn from each other and to communicate with one another in the best interests of Ireland and the Party. We hope it will be an enjoyable experience and appreciate that this is only one small step in the rebuilding process. Further details of the development will be announced by email in the weekly Party Bulletin.
RENEWAL
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POLICY & POLITICS
Policy Focus Protecting Family Homes, Reforming Personal Debt Michael McGrath, Spokesperson on Finance
Fianna Fáil has prioritised this area of policy renewal on the basis that the fears and frustrations of the many thousands of people caught in a spiral of unmanageable debt need to be addressed as an absolute priority. Keeping families in their homes is the right thing to do for our society and our economy. The fear of losing the family home and the stresses associated with managing personal debt is having an effect throughout the economy and contributing significantly to continued negative consumer sentiment. We have published a plan to help families stay in their homes and bring about greater control on debt management service providers. It is a comprehensive and realistic strategy that should be adopted by the Government.
The Fianna Fáil Working Group on Mortgages and Personal Debt is led by Deputy McGrath and the package of reforms includes input from Éamon Ó Cuív TD, Senator Thomas Byrne and Senator Marc Mac Sharry.
The package of measures published, including two new Bills and a series of additional initiatives, will have the effect of making it extraordinarily difficult for lenders to remove people from their homes. The Family Home Bill and the Regulation of Debt Management Advisors Bill will significantly empower those in difficulty and afford greater
protection to them. Fianna Fáil offers these Bills and policy ideas in an effort to be constructive and give indebted families the support they need. To read the measures in full, please go to www.fiannafail.ie/protectingfamilyhomes
Ard Fheis Why would we make a single child in need of a loving home wait at least another year?
Date for Your Diary
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1718 B AY FE ID FR
Referendum Proposed on Adoption Rights Fianna Fáil brought forward a Private Members Bill in the Dáil to run a Referendum on Adoption alongside the Presidential election. The Bill allows for the adoption of hundreds of children who are currently in long term care and who cannot be adopted because of rules arising from the current position of the family in the Constitution.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Charlie McConalogue TD (pictured above) said: “At the moment there are major barriers to adoption for children who are originally born to married parents. The result is that thousands of children spend their entire childhood years in foster care without the right to be adopted into families that are ready, willing and anxious to provide them with the loving and supportive environment they deserve.” "Fianna Fáil has supported and continues to support the need for a wider Referendum to enshrine children’s rights in the Constitution,” according to Deputy McConalogue. “However, the issue of adoption rights is not contentious and enjoys widespread support. My question to the Government is this - why would we make a single child in need of a loving home wait at least another year?”
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The Ard Fheis will take place on the 17th & 18th February 2012 in the RDS in Dublin. Registration details will be issued to members in the coming months. This will be a crucial event for our Party. The Ard Comhairle has established a subcommittee on reforming the Ard Fheis, to make it more inclusive and member driven. Please send in your ideas to renewal@fiannafail.ie with the subject line “Ard Fheis Reform”. We look forward to seeing you there.
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HEALTH
Fine Gael & Labour U-Turn Update The actions taken by Fine Gael and Labour in their first five months of Government are proof that their election campaigns in February were grossly cynical. They engaged in auction politics, promising what they knew they could not deliver, in order to win the election.
Health Protecting Small Hospitals
BUDGET Income Tax
BUDGET
In Government, they have performed U-turns on most matters of substance. Where they have taken action, their policies have been at best tokenism, and at worst damaging to Ireland’s chances of recovery.
JOBS PUBLIC SECTOR POLITICS
Election Promise
Government U-Turn
Fine Gael made a clear commitment during and after the general election to retain and enhance services at hospitals like Roscommon and Navan.
The removal of 24-hour emergency services from Roscommon has already been announced. James Reilly has said that he intends to publish a plan that could involve ward closures and a “temporary cessation” of certain services in small hospitals.
Fine Gael’s campaign and the Programme for Government were clear in ruling out income tax increases: “The new government… will maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits.”
The revised agreement with the EU/IMF shows that the December Budget this year will reduce income tax bands and credits as part of a €1.5bn tax raising plan. It calls for “a lowering of personal income tax bands and credits”.
During the general election campaign FG said that New Era together with their other jobs measures would create 80,000 jobs over the next four years.
There has been little or no mention of it since. It wasn’t included in the jobs initiative.
JOBS New Era Jobs PUBLIC SECTOR Fine Gael pledged to abolish 145 Quangos in their document Reinventing Government.
Quangos POLITICS Abolition of the Seanad
This was committed to as part of a “Constitution Day” to be held by February next year.
The Programme for Government also makes no mention of the number of state bodies it intends to abolish. In fact, it proposes the creation of 36 new Quangos.
The government has yet to give a commitment as to when legislation will be published to give effect to the proposal to abolish Seanad Éireann and if a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad will be held this year.
BUDGET Strategic Investment Bank Labour continuously campaigned for this. The Programme for Government states “we will establish a Strategic Investment Bank”.
There has been no mention of it since. The Government’s legislative programme does not include any provisions for its establishment.
Universal Social Charge Both Fine Gael and Labour consistently opposed the USC, and promised to review or abolish it.
But what’s the point in carrying out a review when the Govt. has already made up its mind? Michael Noonan now robustly defends the levy in the Dáil and Brendan Howlin called it “an extremely large component part of our tax base.”
Banks Both parties campaigned to burn the bondholders during the election. Leo Varadkar: “Not another cent" for the banks. Remember Eamon Gilmore: “It’s Labour’s way or Frankfurt’s way”?
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Enda Kenny has admitted that it would not be “reasonable or logical” to go after the bondholders in banks which depended on the markets for funding. Michael Noonan’s announcement that the Government plans to impose substantial losses on senior bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank and INBS turned out to be another PR stunt – the ECB had not agreed to it.
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Third Level Fees
Social Welfare Rates The Programme for Government clearly states “We will maintain social welfare rates”. Joan Burton refuses to rule out cuts: She was asked no less than three times in the Dáil, by Barry Cowen, whether she remains committed to this. Each time she fudged the issue.
Fine Gael promised a jobs budget. In fact, on his very first day as Taoiseach told the Dáil “Within the first 100 days of our government, we will introduce a Jobs Budget.” The jobs budget then became the tokenistic revenue neutral “jobs initiative”. Instead they raided private pension funds and there is no jobs target in the jobs initiative!
During the election campaign Labour pledged: “We will reverse the €500 increase in the Student Services Charge.” Eamon Gilmore: “Labour is opposed to third-level fees by either the front or back doors.” Not only has the Labour Party done a u-turn on this, they have also refused to rule out increased student fees in the future.
Both Labour and Fine Gael opposed the public sector pension levy. On Croke Park, Labour sat on the fence and refused to support it until it was approved by the Unions. Now they won’t rule out more cuts to public service pay. Pat Rabbitte: “We want to avoid, if we can avoid, the question of going back to cut basic pay.. But if we’re going to avoid that there has to be significant savings [elsewhere].”
Eamon Gilmore: “A flat water charge is not something that we’re going to introduce”. The Programme for Government states that water charges won’t be introduced until metering and a basic free allowance is in place. The government has now admitted that two charges are on the way by 2013, a household utility charge (by 2012) and water charges. Phil Hogan announced that a flat rate utility household charge will be brought in from 1st January 2012 before metering is fully rolled out.
Reducing the number of TDs FG had previously promised to reduce the number of TDs by 20 Phil Hogan has told the Constituency Commission to reduce the number of TDs by a max of 13, and as little as 6 – more evidence of tokenism.
Fine Gael & Labour Vote Down Fianna Fáil’s Political Donations Bill
Kenny Made “Reckless and Disgraceful” Promises, and then Denied He Did The shambolic handling of the Roscommon Hospital issue was just the latest in a growing pattern of U-turns by Fine Gael and Labour on their cynical election promises. However, this was all the more serious, not just because the Taoiseach Mr. Kenny was caught falsely denying his own claims, but because he did so repeatedly and misled the Dáil on the matter. “He had angrily rejected my claim that he had made a commitment to the hospital and said he ‘was sick of words being put into [his] mouth’”, according to Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin. “He clearly would have kept to this line if a journalist hadn’t kept a recording of his election statement in Roscommon.”
POLICY & POLITICS
Water Charges
Public Sector Pay
Jobs Budget
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Fianna Fáil published a political donations bill which implements key recommendations of the Moriarty Tribunal, cuts donation limits and introduces an effective ban on corporate donations. The proposals included a constitutional amendment which could be put to the people on the same day as the Presidential election later this year. Govt U-Turn on Corporate Donations
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore – Engaged in grossly cynical election campaigns
Denying His Personal Promise “As well as apologising to the deputies in the Dáil for misleading them, the Taoiseach should apologise to the people of Roscommon for both breaking and denying his personal promise to protect all of the hospital’s services”, he concluded.
However, in another U-turn, Government voted down Fianna Fáil’s proposals, and published a Bill which is significantly weaker. Their Bill allows corporate donations to continue and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny confirmed:
£ T here will not be a complete ban on corporate donations proposed either through legislation or constitutional referendum;
£ While donors over €200 must register, there is no requirement for immediate public disclosure of all donations; £ There will be no audit by SIPO of political parties compliance with electoral acts.
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Renewal Update
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Reminders Have you had your say on the renewal of your Party? Ensure your CC/CDC holds its renewal meeting, or email us directly: renewal@fiannafail.ie Have you suggestions for the Task Force on Gender Equality? Please contact: averil.power@oireachtas.ie Do you want to get the weekly Party Bulletin by email? Or do you have suggestions to improve it? Contact Paul Sammon: paul@fiannafail.ie Please ensure that your Cumann has held its AGM and is registered for 2011. Contact Catherine Whelan: catherine@fiannafail.ie Have you considered making a one-off donation to the Party? Or have you ideas on fundraising? Contact Darragh McShea: darragh@fiannafail.ie
Dates for your Diary Councillors’ Conference: 24th September President’s Dinner 1st October
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2011
24 SATURDAY
National Youth Conference 4th - 6th November Ard Fheis 17th-18th February
Caption Competition During the election, Labour’s then Education Spokesperson Ruairi Quinn signed a USI pledge to campaign against, and oppose, any new form of third level fees, and Labour recklessly pledged to reverse the €500 increase in the Student Services Charge. Now, as Education Minister, Quinn has performed a U-turn, refusing to reverse the charge, and refusing to rule out increased student fees in the future. Can you think of a caption or speech bubble to accompany our photo of Quinn signing USI’s pledge before the election? Send your caption to Paul Sammon by email, paul@fiannafail.ie, with the subject line “Caption Competition.” The winning entry will feature on the Fianna Fáil website, and the winner will win a weekend away for two.
The President’s Dinner
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Book Today This year’s President’s Dinner will be held on Saturday, 1st October 2011 in the Burlington Hotel, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4 at 7:30pm sharp.
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Guest of Honour is Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin TD. Tickets are €85 each or €800 for a table of ten and are now available from Clare at Fianna Fáil Headquarters – 01 6761551, or cairdefail@fiannafail.ie. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the credit card form to the right and return to Clare Minihane, Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65/66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
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