* DSW Bye-Election * Minister Leo Varadkar * FG Women – Review Election Experience * YFG Policy Launch

BRANCHLINESSummer/Autumn 2014

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Printed and Published by Fine Gael, 51 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 619 8444 Email: finegael@finegael.com

A message from the General Secretary

‘I know that if we continue to work together and support each other in the task ahead, a second successive term in Government awaits for our Party. Your help, in whatever form, is critical.’

General Election Preparations to begin in earnest.

Winning two successive terms in Government for the first time will be a deserved achievement for our Party given the economic circumstances Fine Gael inherited in 2011.

Following the European, Local Elections and Bye-election campaigns, our Party now moves to a General Election footing with preparations for the end of the Government’s term in 2016 beginning in earnest.

I know that many activists will take a well deserved break over the Summer, but activity will ramp up again in the autumn, with build-up to a National Conference in the Spring preceding full-on General Election preparations.

Retaining our seats in the European Parliament and Longford Westmeath was no small feat. Our European result reaffirms Fine Gael as the largest Irish Party in Europe.

While the Local Elections were challenging for our Party, I know that many of our candidates have very bright political careers ahead of them, including several who were not elected on this occasion. The Local Election outcome was very disappointing. It was saddening to see many fine representatives and candidates lose out and I thank them sincerely for their hard work.

However, I also know that if we continue to work together and support each other in the task ahead, a second successive term in Government awaits for our Party. Your help, in whatever form, is critical, and a renewed consultation process with the Party organisation will begin in the Autumn.

The passing of our dear friend and colleague, Nicky McFadden, is recorded in this issue, where she is fondly remembered by her friend, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD. I know that Nicky’s sister Gabrielle will build on her sisters’ legacy in Longford Westmeath and Leinster House.

The passing of Cllr Owen Bannigan, Monaghan, and Local Election candidate Philip Leahy, Cork, were sources of great sadness within our ranks. I am always struck at the time of such bereavements of how our Party pulls together to comfort the bereaved, and believe it reflects very well on Fine Gael. I was heartened by the election of Owen’s son, Eugene, whom I know will carry on the great work of his father.

With every good wish,

Tom Curran

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FOR MORE INFORMATIONCover picture: Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD at Government buildings.

CONTENTS

2 Team to Take Recovery Forward

4 Minister Leo Varadkar. A Day In The Life

6 Taoiseach Sets Out Priorities

7 Nicky McFadden TD – An Appreciation

8 Fundraising News

9 Bannigan Name lives on in Monaghan

10 New Faces 2014

12 Fine Gael Women Review Election Experiences

14 Senator Cáit Kenae to run for Fine Gael in Dublin South West Bye-Election

15 YFG launches Youth Unemployment

Policy Document

16 Dates for Your Diary

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TEAM TO TAKE RECOVERY FORWARD

New approach and energyFine Gael’s new Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State have taken up their posts following the reshuffle.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said the changes outlined reflect the best team to take recovery forward. “There is still much to do and all of it urgent.”

“The new Ministers will bring a new approach and energy to job creation and to making sure that the recovery, for which people sacrificed so much, reaches every family in Ireland.”

The Taoiseach thanked outgoing members of the Cabinet and Ministers of State for their service during what have been difficult times for our country.

“Individually and collectively, these Ministers have played a major part in creating those all-important jobs for our people and in securing Ireland’s economic recovery.”

DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENTMINISTER MINISTER

Department of Defence to Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine

Department of Justice and Equality

Deputy Simon Coveney

Deputy Frances Fitzgerald

Deputy Paschal Donohoe

Deputy Charlie Flanagan

Deputy Michael Noonan

Deputy James Reilly

Deputy Leo Varadkar

Deputy Richard Bruton

Deputy Heather Humphreys

Deputy Paul Kehoe

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Department of Finance

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Department of Health

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht

Chief Whip & Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Defence

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The new Ministers will bring a new approach and energy to job creation and to making sure that the recovery, for which people sacrificed so much, reaches every family in Ireland

TWO NEW FACES JOIN FINE GAEL’S MEP TEAMTwo new faces have joined the Fine Gael team in Europe. Brian Hayes MEP was elected for Dublin and Deirdre Clune MEP was elected in the South constituency. Together, they join their party colleagues Mairead McGuinness MEP, who was successfully re-elected in Midlands-North West, and Seán Kelly MEP, who was re-elected in South.

NEW TD FOR LONGFORD-WESTMEATHGabrielle McFadden was elected to the Dáil in the Longford-Westmeath bye-election at the end of May. Gabrielle has a long association with Fine Gael, having served as a member of Westmeath County Council for a number of years. Her late father Brendan McFadden was also a Fine Gael Councillor, as was her late sister Nicky, who went on to be elected to Seanad Éireann, before being elected to the Dáil in 2011.

Gabrielle has a proven track record of delivery in her constituency, having served on the boards of Longford/Westmeath ETB (VEC), Athlone Community Task Force, the Dean Crowe Theatre and Athlone Institute of Technology.

Gabrielle is married to Brian McClean, a clinical psychologist, and they have two children, Katie and Luke.

Gabrielle McFaddenTD and her husband Brian McClean, pictured on the plinth of Leinster House

on her first day as a Dáil Deputy.

DEPARTMENT(S) MINISTER OF STATE

Departments of Finance PER and Taoiseach with Special Responsibility for the OPW, Public procurement, and International Banking (inc IFSC)

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with Special Responsibility for Tourism and Sport

Department of the Environment with Special Responsibility for Housing, Planning and Coordination of the Construction 2020 Strategy

Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs with Special Responsibility for the Diaspora

Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs with Special Responsibility for European Affairs and Data Protection

Departments of Education and Skills and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation With Special Responsibility for Skills, Research and Innovation

Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine With Special Responsibility for Food, Forestry, Horticulture and Food Safety

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with Special Responsibility for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources

Deputy Simon Harris

Deputy Michael Ring

Deputy Paudie Coffey

Deputy Jimmy Deenihan

Deputy Dara Murphy

Deputy Damien English

Deputy Tom Hayes

Deputy Joe McHugh

Iam more than three years in the job, but every day is still fresh and new. Truth be told, there is no typical day. When the Dáil is sitting, the week is very different

to when the Dáil is in recess. Some times of the year are especially busy, such as the run-up to the Budget and the run-up to the recess when the pressure is on to get legislation done and dusted. But August and Christmas are a bit quieter and gives you a chance to get some down-time and do some planning When the Dáil is not sitting, I use it as an opportunity to meet with the agencies under my remit, and also the officials in my Department. We review plans, check up on progress and I make sure they are delivering on the Programme for Government. I also explore ways that I can help move things on. Monday is usually spent in the Department when the Dáil in is session, attending Cabinet committees, or doing public engagements outside of Dublin. Tuesday is mostly taken up by the morning Cabinet meeting and Dáil, Seanad or committee business in the afternoon. Wednesday is almost all Oireachtas business including the Parliamentary Party meeting. The Taoiseach attends almost every week, and I also attend regularly. I think it’s really important to hear from the backbenchers what’s actually happening on the ground. I also meet backbenchers individually on a Wednesday if they want to raise particular issues. Thursday is a mix of Oireachtas work and meetings in the Department with outside interest groups.

Minister Leo Varadkar: A Day In The Life

Being a politician and a government minister is very rewarding and really exciting, and a great privilege. It’s also hard work and all-consuming! No two days are the same and you never know what’s going to happen on any given day.

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Some people criticise politicians for doing constituency work. I disagree. So long as it’s not the only thing you do, constituency work is invaluable. It gives you a real insight into how government policies and legislation impact on real people and gives you a real sense of the work we need to prioritise.

I always remind myself that it’s an enormous privilege to be a TD and to be appointed to Ministerial office. Many people who are as capable - or more capable – than me never got the chance to serve at Cabinet. The most important thing is to give it your all, and do all that you can to improve on the situation as you find it.

I try to spend Friday in the constituency. Some people criticise politicians for doing constituency work. I disagree. So long as it’s not the only thing you do, constituency work is invaluable. It gives you a real insight into how government policies and legislation impact on real people and gives you a real sense of the work we need to prioritise. You don’t get that from the media. Of course, you have to work most evenings as well. It could be a late vote in the Dáil, a meeting in the constituency, speaking at a function, an evening media commitment, or just catching up on paperwork and reading. Nevertheless, I try to take at least one evening off a week and do my best to set aside some time to go for a run, swim or work out. I find that really helps to clear the head and makes it easier to make decisions. When it comes to weekends, I try to work every other one. So, working weekends are packed full with public engagements, media appearances and constituency work, thus allowing me to take the following weekend a little more easy. That could be catching up with friends or getting some sleep or exercise. I always remind myself that it’s an enormous privilege to be a TD and to be appointed to Ministerial office. Many people who are as capable - or more capable – than me never got the chance to serve at Cabinet. The most important thing is to give it your all, and do all that you can to improve on the situation as you find it.

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1: Fielding questions from the media on the plinth at Leinster House is all in a day’s work for the Minister for Health

2: The Minister participates in a charity run in his own constituency of Dublin West

3: Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD receives his official seal of office from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, while An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, looks on

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3

GP CARE FOR CHILDREN UNDER-SIX – HISTORIC MOMENTMinister for Health Leo Varadkar, has described the passing of the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014 by the Oireachtas as a historic moment which paves the way to provide GP care without fees for children under-six.

“This Act is a significant step in the Government’s plan to provide universal health care, starting with access to General Practitioners without fees for children under six,” said Minister Varadkar. “This particular measure is the keystone of the Government’s policy in the area of primary care. We are shifting the focus of healthcare from hospitals to the community, and from treating illnesses to maintaining good health.”

Additional funding of €37m was provided in Budget 2014 to fund this first phase. Providing access to a GP service without fees to all children aged five and under will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. 240,000 children that currently must pay to see a GP will benefit. Implementation is due to take place later in the year.

An outline from An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, on the Government’s plans for the remainder its term.

Taoiseach Sets Out Priorities

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The economy continues to recover strongly as we emerge from the unprecedented economic crisis that engulfed our country.

Jobs are being created. 61,000 last year at a rate of over 1,000 a week representing the fastest employment growth rate in Europe.

But we also recognise very clearly that many families are still struggling to see signs of this recovery in their lives. The job of this Government is to now use the space afforded to us by a recovering economy to introduce new measures to help working families.

We will be prioritising the decisions needed to broaden and deepen the economic recovery in a manner that is felt in the daily lives of individuals, families and communities across the country.

First and foremost this means jobs, jobs and more jobs. We have to get Ireland working again and we intend to hit our target of full employment by 2020.

In the coming months there will be an unrelenting focus on the domestic economy by attracting more finance and investment to small Irish companies and to expand their presence in foreign markets.

Enterprise Ireland has reported a record €17.1bn in exports by Enterprise Ireland client companies last year, achieving record levels of job-creation.

We need to build on that by helping small business trade online, get more credit available, and by targeting a 25% increase in the number of new start-ups in the next five years with a new entrepreneurship policy.

We are committed to enacting legislation to establish the Strategic Banking Corporation which by 2018 we expect will make up €4 billion in low-cost funding available to small and medium sized businesses.

Equally, we have to target more job creation around the country. Central to this will be targeting 25,000 extra jobs in the agri-food

industry by implementing our €4 billion rural development programme. In addition, the publication of the tourism strategy will form part of our plans to create 50,000 new jobs over the next decade.

HOUSING AND CAPITAL INVESTMENTThe domestic construction industry will also continue to be a priority. We need to start investing more in Ireland’s future and we will publish a revised capital investment programme for the remainder of the decade alongside Budget 2015.

It is imperative we improve the supply of housing for both home purchasers and renters. We are already seeing the consequences from the lack of supply in high demand areas. Our Statement of Priorities outlines a number of actions to improve housing availability and affordability in this regard.

We will also publish new planning laws to support faster recovery and higher standards in the residential and commercial construction sectors.

MAKING WORK PAY In addition to creating more jobs we have to ensure that the fruits of recovery are felt by the workers leading Ireland’s recovery.

While this Government has already removed 330,000 earners from the Universal Social Charge, the introduction of that charge by the previous Government brought the top rate of tax to 52% for individuals and families on average incomes.

This is not tolerable or sustainable in the long run. The Government wants to make work pay for working families. To that end, we will roll out a 4 point plan to make work pay.

1. Firstly, we will reduce the 52% tax rate on low- and middle- income earners starting in Budget

2015 and to be delivered over a number of budgets. This will also help promote more job creation and improve Ireland’s attractiveness as a location of investment.

2. Secondly, we will establish a Low Pay Commission to make recommendations on the minimum wage to Government which is based on consultation and evidence.

3. Thirdly, In Budget 2015 we will also introduce measures to assist low income families by improving the system of child income supports such that those moving from welfare to work will retain payments for children to ensure that people are better off in work.

4. Finally, we will also increase access to subsidised childcare and after school places by extending eligibility and rebalancing parental contributions for families making their way into employment.

OLDER PEOPLE As we roll out a universal GP service for the entire population we will prioritise the over 70’s in the next phase of its roll out.

PUBLIC FINANCES Well over 90% of the budgetary correction is already done and the sacrifice and hard work of the Irish people cannot go to waste. For this reason we are committed to hitting our target of reducing the deficit to below 3% of GDP by 2015.

As we return to more normal times the Statement of Priorities offers a roadmap on how we intend to help working families and low and middle income workers. To ensure the dividend of recovery is spread among all our people, in every city, town and village. We will do everything in our power to see that recovery is felt everywhere.

Nicky McFadden TD – An Appreciation

Enthusiasm : That was my first impression when I met Nicky, for “tea” in Buswells, with Michael Noonan, Imelda Henry, Aine Collins, Tom Hayes, Pat Breen, Brian Hayes and others.

She and I shared a political and a “girly” friendship – sharing a love for fashion and heels. Nicky enthused about friends, and the friendships she created so effortlessly. That was Nicky’s great gift. She was interested in people, and took genuine delight at being in company. Sometimes it seemed that she loved just about everyone she met. Nicky never seemed to move on from a friendship. Instead, she just accumulated more friendships and nurtured them and cherished them, until inevitably, vast networks of friendship grew up around her.

And yet, whenever our talk turned to politics, I was struck by how deeply she cared about the people she represented, and how she was devastated for example, when it was announced that the army barracks in Athlone was to be downgraded. We plotted together into the small hours, as she tried to think of everything she could do to have the decision reversed. She worked tirelessly throughout her illness and had huge respect for An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD.

Nicky was Fine Gael to the bone. She believed in Fine Gael. Even while others doubted, she remained stridently optimistic, in public and in private, that Fine Gael would restore our country’s finances so that ordinary people could live again in hope.

By Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD

Her optimism was infectious. It is no wonder that Nicky was adored, right across the house, by staff and by members of all parties and none. A group of us women in Fine Gael met at eleven o’clock every morning for coffee. Laughing and sharing and loving life. A reprieve from the harshness and often brutal cut and thrust of politics. I loved Nicky and I miss her. Since Nicky left, the spirit of those coffee mornings is not the same.

‘’Enthusiasm’’ summed Nicky up. From an old Greek word - En Theos- which means, ‘’full with of the spirit of God.’’

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-ainm. May you sleep with the angels Nicky.

Nicky is sadly missed by her daughter Caren, son Eoin, sisters Gab and Aine, Aunt Kay, brother-in-law Brian, niece Katie, nephew Luke, Caren’s partner Shane, her beloved grand-daughter Matilda and her many friends.

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The late Nicky McFadden TD

Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, with her friend, the late Nicky McFadden TD

Fundraising News

Thank you all for your support in 2013. The money raised was used to support our candidates in the European and Local elections last May. We are now gearing up for the

next General Election. Legislative changes around donations, which came into law in January 2013, mean that there is a very strict regime around corporate donations. Therefore we need your help more than ever to ensure that we raise as much money as possible to launch a highly visible and effective General Election Campaign.

We have a range of fundraising events this Autumn. All are welcome:

• The 11th Presidential Dinner will take place in The Doubletree by Hilton, Burlington Rd, Dublin on Saturday 1st November

• On Friday 21st November, Fionnuala O’ Kelly will host the annual Ladies’ Lunch in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin.

For more information on any of these events, please email Michelle at michellet@finegael.com.

Fundraising is the lifeblood of the Party and the annual Superdraw is by far our biggest source of income. The Superdraw gives every constituency the opportunity to earn a substantial rebate. Last year we shared over €200,000 with constituencies. This year’s draw will take place on the 11th December and tickets will be distributed in September. All the money we raise from it (and the other events) will be used to support our candidates in the next General Election. It is vital that we use this Superdraw to ensure that each constituency reaches their maximum potential and is able to claim a substantial rebate.

We are asking every member to either buy or sell a ticket (or both!). Please contact us on the phone number and email address below if you would like to buy a ticket, or know someone who would. Whether you buy a ticket, attend an event or simply give us a donation, your support will make a difference.

• €60 will buy 30 online ads and enable us to promote our candidates via social media

• We need to print and design thousands of leaflets. For every €120 we receive, we can produce 8,000 leaflets.

• Posters are the most effective form of election marketing. €600 pays for 120 posters.

• It is vitally important to communicate with our electorate. €1000 will pay for postage on letters to 1600 voters

For more information on how you can donate to the Party, please contact Helen Connolly, Head of Fundraising on: 01 6198430, or helen@finegael.com

CAN YOU HELP?

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Bannigan name lives on in Monaghan County Council

He was first elected to Monaghan County Council in June 1999 and was subsequently re-elected in 2004 and 2009.

Councillor Bannigan was Chairman of Monaghan County Council between 2004 and 2005 and was chairman of Monaghan VEC in 2010.

He joined Young Fine Gael in the early 1980s and was a past chairman of the Fine Gael Mid-Monaghan District Executive for which he served as county Chairman. He was Director of Elections in Monaghan for three elections and was a previous campaign manager for former Fine Gael TD Seymour Crawford.

Councillor Bannigan was a prominent spokesman for the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee. He was also a big GAA fan and active in the Association.

All who knew and worked alongside him in Fine Gael were shocked and saddened at his premature passing.

The election for the Ballybay-Clones electoral area, which the late Councillor represented, was postponed until June 7th last. Eugene Bannigan, Owen’s son, successfully stood for election in his father’s place.

Eugene is 22 years of age and a graduate of Dundalk Institute of Technology, holding a Bachelor of Business Degree in Hospitality Management. He is a member, player and coach in Aughnamullen Sarsfield’s GAA Club and has also been a Juvenile GAA Referee for Monaghan since 2008.

“We were all stunned by Daddy’s sudden and tragic passing and overwhelmed by the support received across the entire community. I am aware that my father’s shoes will be difficult to fill but am very excited about the challenges ahead,” Councillor Eugene Bannigan said.

On May 23rd last, polling day, Councillor Owen Bannigan died suddenly. The highly respected Fine Gael Councillor was just 51.

I am aware that my father’s shoes will be difficult to fill

but am very excited about the challenges ahead

Poignantly, Councillor Eugene Bannigan placed his first election poster up underneath his late father’s last.

The Late Councillor Owen Bannigan

DAN NEVILLE IS NEW CHAIR OF PARLIAMENTARY PARTYDeputy Dan Neville (Limerick) is the new Chairperson of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

Deputy Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central) is the new Vice-Chairperson.

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COUNCILLOR NOEL ROCK – DUBLIN CITY

Ballymun is a challenging constituency for us, and has been since we last held a Dáil seat here under Mary Flaherty until 1997. This time around, it was no different, but my team and I carved out a result and claimed the third seat in a field of twenty

candidates.

Coming to politics as a 26-year old, I was appointed a Local Area Representative for the area in 2013, and have been working the ground non-stop. There really is no replacement for getting things done, and Ballymun is an area which has undergone serious transformation, so there are always a lot of queries to deal with. In this respect, the support that Councillors receive from the Party can never be taken for granted, and everything from the daily briefings to the social media support has proven hugely useful to me personally.

My constituency stretches from Drumcondra to the top of Ballymun, and also includes Glasnevin, Whitehall, Finglas, Beaumont and Santry. The needs are hugely diverse, and the one thing I’ve learned is that no two days are the same. I’m delighted to have been nominated to join the board of my local theatre, Ballymun Axis, and also look forward to serving on the Enterprise and Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee.

My priorities for this term are to ensure that the youth guarantee trial in Ballymun is a success and that we look to roll it out across Dublin, that I work to bring business and employment to my area, that I continue the growth of tourism locally with Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Museum and other local stakeholders, and to pursue the expansion of Dublin Bikes out to my constituency. I look forward to working to make a difference in my community over the next five years and being a new, young, active voice for Fine Gael here.

COUNCILLOR JOHN MCGAHON - LOUTH

Istarted knocking on doors in October 2013. All I had was a register and a couple of business cards. People were surprised to see a 23 year old turning up on a winter’s evening to canvass. However seven months later, the hard work paid off and I managed to take the fourth out of six seats.

One of the biggest lessons I learned from this campaign was perseverance. If a day, or even a week, doesn’t go your way, the best way to react is to just get out and knock on more doors. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my uncle Brendan, a former Louth TD, my dad Johnny and my aunt Mary. All three became permanent fixtures on the doorsteps of Dundalk and North Louth and I couldn’t have done it without their support and guidance.

Over the next five years I want to play my part in making sure Dundalk continues to punch above its weight in terms of job creation. It’s vital that local councillors and Oireachtas members continue to promote our town and county as the best place in the North East to do business.

NEW FACES 2014

Councillor Noel Rock with one of his biggest supporters, his Grandad, Noel Travers.

Councillor John McGahon (Second from right), pictured with some of his canvassing team the night before polling day

May 23rd last saw a number of new candidates elected to our local authorities. For many, this was their first foray into political campaigning. We caught up with some of Fine Gael’s newest Councillors and asked them to outline some of their experiences of the 2014 Local Election Campaign, and what their priorities are for the next five years.

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COUNCILLOR MAURA HOPKINS – ROSCOMMON

On my 30th birthday I was absolutely delighted and honoured to have been successful in election to Roscommon

County Council.

I was added as a candidate on 7th March last so it was certainly a fast paced energetic 11 week campaign, but a valuable and enjoyable experience. I am now the youngest member of Roscommon County Council and I believe that I represent a fresh strong voice for the area.

I work as an Occupational Therapist, specialising in stroke care. I am also a Speech and Drama Teacher and an active member of Macra na Feirme.

One of my greatest influences was my grandmother’s first cousin, the late Monsignor James Horan. He had a vision to build Knock Airport. He was a man who had huge courage and unwavering determination with a legacy that continues to flourish.

I come from a politically active family; my Dad is a strong and passionate Fine Gael member! My mother is an extremely active woman and has always instilled in me an ethos of working hard.

I am very committed to this role. In particular, I will be working to prioritise the need for economic action plans for our rural towns such as Ballaghaderreen and Boyle. I look forward with energy and enthusiasm to the challenges ahead.

COUNCILLOR NIAMH BYRNE (DEPUTY LORD MAYOR) - GALWAY

This was my first election and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the campaign. I am a teacher in an all-boys’ secondary school in Galway city and

I also have a Master’s degree in International Tourism. My background in education and tourism was pivotal in convincing voters that I had the necessary skills to be a good councillor.

I was very fortunate to have the backing of three different Fine Gael branches and that really made a difference to me. Galway West TD Sean Kyne was also a great support to me throughout the campaign. Everyone in my family put their own lives in hold to ensure that I got over the line. My friends were fantastic too and they all played a huge part in my success on election day.

People on the door found my approach endearing, I think. I offered something new and people responded to that. Senator Hildegarde Naughton and Mairead McGuinness MEP were two ladies who were steadfast throughout my campaign and I was really fortunate that they believed in me.

My vision and aim going forward is really straightforward. I will be a fair voice for my constituents and will use my skills to ensure that the needs of local communities are addressed. Given my own age profile, I am acutely aware of the importance of job creation and as a Fine Gael councillor I am committed to playing my part in job creation and retention. I am really looking forward to the five year term and hope that people will reap the benefits of having me as their new councillor.

COUNCILLOR PAULA DONOVAN – SOUTH DUBLIN

I was born and reared in my constituency and continue to live there with my husband Nigel and our 4 children. Having obtained my degree in UCD

(BComm), I held senior managerial roles in industry. I am also an experienced community activist and led

the launch and development of Ballyroan Community & Youth Centre. I was asked to manage the Centre and this was my launching pad to local politics.

I am also a scout leader and am involved with my family in local sports groups. I am also a member of the Ladies’ Guild which fundraises for the comfort and care of children and their families at the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.

Despite all this community involvement, I am, however, new to politics. I built a small team around my mainly family and friends and held weekly meetings to plan the workload. Canvassing door-to-door was far more rewarding and engaging than I had imagined it would be, but nobody can prepare you for the workload involved in the campaign.

I’m looking forward to enabling the growth of community driven activities and services over the next Council term, whist ensuring total accountability.

Deputy Mayor of Galway, Councillor Niamh Byrne and her partner Patrick FahertyCouncillor Maura Hopkins with

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD

Councillor Paula Donovan with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and Brian Hayes MEP

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It was encouraging to see candidates who weren’t successful at these elections attend the event. The Party is keen to keep these candidates

engaged for the future – and one of the themes that emerged on the day was the fact that it can take more than one attempt for any candidate to be successfully elected.

Newly-elected T.D for Longford-Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden spoke about her experiences running for the Dáil. Gabrielle has a wealth of information to share with members who may be considering running for election at some point. A former Councillor on Westmeath County Council, Gabrielle’s late father Brendan was also a long-serving Fine Gael Councillor, as was her late sister Nicky, who also served as a Senator and a TD. She described the moment she decided to embark on a career in public life. “I was running a business in Athlone and the Town Council had imposed a one-way traffic system. I was furious that I hadn’t had a chance to have my say. I campaigned locally to have this decision over-turned. Nicky got tired listening to me giving out and one day turned to me and said: “There’s no point in giving out. If you want to change how things are done, why don’t you get on board yourself and run for a Council seat?” And that was that, I did.”

Councillor Maura Hopkins from Roscommon told of her whirlwind 11 week campaign. An Occupational Therapist, Maura joined Young Fine Gael in college. She is also an active member of Macra na Feirme. She spoke of the need to be active in your community if you are considering a career in politics.

Councillor Anne-Marie Dermody of South Dublin also spoke of her campaign experience. Anne-Marie was first co-opted onto South Dublin County Council in 2011 before being successfully elected to the Council in May. Anne-Marie is the Principal Partner in her own law firm. As well as running her own business and managing her Council work, Anne-Marie is also

Fine Gael Women Review Election Experiences

On June 28th last, the Party held an event for female candidates who ran in the Local Elections. The event, which took place in the Hilton Hotel in Kilmainham, Dublin, was billed a “Relook and Learn” session, which aimed to give candidates a chance to discuss their campaign experiences.

1

2The party is keen to keep these

candidates engaged for the future – and one of the themes that emerged on the day was the fact that it can take more than one attempt for any candidate to be successfully elected.

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mother to three boys and she spoke about the importance of involving your family in your political work. She also shared tips on engaging with voters and maintaining contact after canvassing.

There were other valuable inputs from Maria Hegarty of Equality Strategies Ltd, who is consulting with Fine Gael as the party devises ways of supporting more activism amongst its female members. “We want to see women act as agents of change within this Party,” she said.

Chairperson of the Fine Gael National Executive, Leonora Carey, outlined her own history with the party. Her father was a former TD for Fine Gael and her brother is an existing TD and Leonora has held a number of key strategic positions in the Party both in Dublin and her native county of Clare over the years. The National Executive is keen to identify quality female candidates for the General Election and the onus is on female members to make their voices heard – bring their friends on board – and ensure we have more diverse voices in the Dáil next time around.

If you wish to get involved, contact Gillian Kavanagh at Fine Gael National Headquarters, by emailing Gillian@finegael.com

3

4

The National Executive is keen to

identify quality female candidates for the General Election and the onus is on female members of the party to make their voices heard – bring their friends on board – and ensure we have more diverse voices in the Dáil next time around.

1: Gabrielle McFadden TD and Councillor Anne-Marie Dermody discuss campaign strategies

2: Councillor Eithne Loftus and Maria McGrail

3: Councillor Kate O’Connell and Councillor Sharon Tolan

4: Roscommon Councillor Maura Hopkins outlines how she ran her 11 week campaign

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Senator Cáit Keane is the Fine Gael candidate in the Dublin South West bye-election, which will be held in the autumn.

Senator Cáit Keane to run for Fine Gael in Dublin South West Bye Election

Senator Keane said: “I am delighted to have been chosen by the Fine Gael members to be their candidate in the upcoming Dublin South West bye-election. I am honoured to have represented

Dublin South West for many years and I hope to continue to do so in the Dáil.

“Prior to my election to South Dublin County Council in 1991, I was involved in many community groups and residents’ associations. I was Chair of the Parents’ Association at Bishop Shanahan Galvin National School and I also served on the Board of Management there. I was also involved on the Parents’ Association and Board of Management of St. MacDara’s Community College Templeogue. I have greatly enjoyed representing this area and working on behalf of the community.

“During my time in the Oireachtas I have prioritised issues including the environment, sustainable development, social issues and education, including pre-school childcare, & crèche facilities. In my work on the Oireachtas Environment Committee I am particularly concerned with the issues of housing and homelessness and the need to increase the amount of social housing available in Dublin.”

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said: “Cáit Keane is an excellent candidate for Fine Gael in the upcoming Dublin South West Bye Election. She has worked hard for this community over many years and has been a diligent and energetic representative for Fine Gael in Seanad Éireann. Cáit’s work ethic and her commitment to public service mean she would make a very effective TD for Dublin South West”.

RTÉ

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Letters to the Editor:Irish Times: lettersed@ irishtimes.com (No attachments)Irish Independent: independent.letters@independent.ieIrish Examiner: letters@ examiner.ie; editor@examiner.ieSunday Independendent: sunday.letters@independent.ieSunday Business Post: letters@sbpost.ieSunday Times: ireland@sundaytimes.ieEvening Herald: herald.letters@indpendent.ie

The more Fine Gael members engage with national broadcast and print media, the better we communicate our positive message of economic

growth and job creation. Please find a list of popular forums:

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Senator Cáit Keane, who is Fine Gael’s candidate for the Dublin South West bye-election

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The policy document was formulated by the Young Fine Gael Policy Sub-Committee and offers specific policy recommendations covering the Education system, Social

Welfare, Taxation, Childcare, Young Farmers and Entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the Policy Launch, YFG President Dale McDermott said: “I am proud of the excellent work over the previous few months by the Policy Sub-Committee and I believe the recommendations within will direct all government departments to make youth employment a priority. Given that one in four under the age of 24 are without work, Young Fine Gael believes the Government should give responsibility for Youth Employment to a Minister of State.

“Our policy document makes strong recommendations including making the Leaving Certificate compulsory for school leavers, increasing multilingualism amongst new entrants to the jobs market and introducing mutual obligation within our welfare system. Speaking to members across the country, young people want a career, not just a job,” he added.

Young Fine Gael recently launched its Youth Unemployment Document, entitled “Exiting the Crisis, Preparing for the Future”.

YFG Launches Youth Unemployment Policy Document

Social media is part and parcel of our daily lives.We know that social media penetration continues to increase rapidly in Ireland.

Facebook is actively used by 2.4 million people over 18 in Ireland. In fact, Irish people use Facebook more often than any other country in the English-speaking world.

Facebook makes up 63pc of Irish social media activity, twice as much as its closest competitor, Twitter. The figure puts Irish Facebook activity higher than that in the UK (55%) and significantly higher than that in the US (47%).

YouTube is the second most popular Social Media platform in Ireland. YouTube has over 1.3 million regular Irish users, which accounts for about 400 million average views per month.

Twitter is actively used by 600,000 people in Ireland, tweeting 818, 214 tweets on average per-day. 53% of Irish Twitter users are aged between 15-24 years and 46% are aged between 25-34 years.

Ireland has the tenth highest number of Twitter users per capita.

Hence, the importance of social media to Fine Gael couldn’t be clearer.

It is a critical tool in getting out the message that our Party in Government is rebuilding the economy, creating a climate for job creation and laying out a plan for Ireland’s future.

Please engage with the Party’s social media channels. Like, share and retweet. Use our

hashtags (#). Watch our videos. Please also engage with the social media channels of the Fine Gael representatives and Party organisation in your area.

Engaging with the Party’s social media channels will ensure you get news and views from Fine Gael as they are released, allow you to contribute to the debate, and help get our message out.

More Fine Gael members engaging with social media ensures that message is seen by a wider audience.

Facebook: facebook.com/fine.gael facebook.com/endakennyofficial Twitter: @finegael Youtube: youtube.com/finegael

PUSHING OUR POSITIVE MESSAGE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Presidential Dinner: The 12th annual Fine Gael Presidential Dinner takes place on Saturday, November 1 in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Dublin.

Ladies’ Lunch: Please note that the annual Fine Gael Ladies’ Lunch takes place on Friday November 21, in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin.

Annual Election Superdraw: The annual Fine Gael Election Superdraw will take place on Thursday, December 11.

Details on the fundraising events (only) listed above are available from, Helen Connolly, Head of Fundraising, ph 01 619 8430, email: helen@finegael.com or, alternatively, michellet@finegael.com

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

PARTY CONSULTATION IN AUTUMN SERIES OF REGIONAL MEETINGS

A consultation process between the Fine Gael organisation, Party HQ, Public Representatives and FG Government Ministers will take place at a number of venues throughout the country in the autumn. Meetings will take place in Tuam, Sligo, Navan, Dublin, Cork, Limerick & Carlow to review the Local and European Elections and make initial preparations for the General Election.

70 Fine Gael Directors of Elections for the Local Elections attended a review session in the Alexander Hotel, Dublin, in July.

There were presentations from An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly TD, and the General Secretary, Tom Curran.

The General Secretary presented an analysis of the Local Election results, whilst An Taoiseach spoke, with confidence of the job of work ahead of the General Election, including the three pending bye-elections (in Dublin South West, Roscommon South Leitrim and Carlow Kilkenny) and referenda.

COMMEMORATIONS - MICHAEL COLLINS AND ARTHUR GRIFFITHThis year’s annual Collins/Griffith Commemoration in Dublin will take place on Sunday, August 17. Mass takes place at St Joseph’s Church, Berkeley Road at 10.30am, followed by the commemoration at the grave of Michael Collins in Glasnevin Cemetery at 12 noon. The oration will be given by Dr David Murphy, NUI Maynooth.

This year’s annual Béal na mBláth Annual Commemoration will take place on Sunday, August 24, commencing 3.00pm. Broadcaster and journalist George Hook will give the oration.

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* DSW Bye-Election * Minister Leo Varadkar * FG Women – Review Election Experience * YFG Policy Launch

BRANCHLINESSummer/Autumn 2014

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