Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny today claimed the Government had become "arrogant and complacent" and that the electorate were tired of its inability to provide adequate State services.
Speaking at the launch of a two-day Parliamentary Party meeting in Laois, Mr Kenny claimed there was a "creeping fatigue" in the people's attitude to this Government.
He told party members that Fine Gael had built a solid platform upon which to 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.
In his keynote address which commentators were describing as the beginning of an 18-month general election campaign, Mr Kenny identified health, crime and the cost of living as the key battlegrounds on which the next election will be fought.
He said: "Our success in the next election will be based on high quality candidates in every constituency. A professional well-run campaign and clear policies that will improve the day-to-day lives of our people."
The Fine Gael leader also briefed his party members on the developing relationship with the Labour Party, saying that before the election, the parties planned to produce "an agreed agenda for action which would tackle the issues of day-to-day concern for people".
He said: "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".
Mr Kenny said the Government has shown "no leadership" on a number of issues including childcare. He claimed: "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.
The two-day meeting, being held in advance of the forthcoming Dáil session, will focus on the key issues of health, crime and the economy. It will be addressed by the new chief executive of the Health Service Executive, Prof Brendan Drumm, and economist David McWilliams.
The issue of the controversial Groceries Order is also expected to be discussed, although this has caused considerable division within Fine Gael.
The party's position of support for the measure is seen by some within it as being out of line with Fine Gael's "rip-off Ireland" campaign against high prices.