Kenny spells out election battlegrounds
Health, crime and the cost of living will be the battlegrounds for the next election, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said today as he promised his party would not underestimate the challenge.
Speaking at the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting in Portlaoise today, Mr Kenny said prospects for alternative government were good.
“There is a creeping fatigue in the people’s attitude to this Government,” Mr Kenny said.
“They are tired of their arrogance, tired of their complacency, tired of their inefficiency and tired of their inability to get things done.
“Fine Gael has built a solid platform upon which to build our challenge for government.
“Our electoral successes in the local and European elections and our performance in the Meath and Kildare by-elections have demonstrated that there is an appetite for an alternative and that Fine Gael and Labour can provide that alternative,” he said.
Mr Kenny said the key to success in the election would be high quality candidates, a well-run campaign and policies which improved people’s day-to-day lives.
He also told the gathered TDs and senators that Fine Gael and Labour would be setting out an agreed agenda for action ahead of the next election, on a number of issues which concerned people.
“The very strong feedback we are getting is that the public is enthusiastic about the prospect of a Fine Gael-Labour government and I believe that as we continue to strengthen our relationship, both parties will benefit electorally.”
The Fine Gael leader said the party’s www.ripoff.ie and anti-social behaviour campaigns had been well-received and said specific initiatives on energy and childcare would also be brought forward.
“I am convinced that there is huge potential for creative ideas in the areas of promoting alternative energy which are a win-win in terms of our energy supply and creating new opportunities for our farmers and consumers.
“The Government has shown no leadership on this issue because it cannot break out of its blinkered mentality.
“Childcare is another area where Fine Gael will be different.
“This Government’s approach to childcare has been driven by the economy and the sole objective of getting women back into the workforce.
“Fine Gael’s approach will be based on what is best for children,” he said.
He told the parliamentary party they were finalising a policy which would not discriminate against parents who stayed at home to look after their children.
