Upbeat FG delegates express strong support for Kenny and Shatter

The mood among delegates at the Fine Gael Ardfheis was upbeat, although concerns were expressed about issues such as the health services and youth unemployment.

Some delegates felt that the traditional anti-government swing by voters might manifest itself in May’s European and local elections, although most thought it difficult to predict at this stage.

Overall, however, it was clear that representatives of Fine Gael's grassroots were generally pleased with the party's performance in government. There was strong support for Taoiseach Enda Kenny's leadership and the handling of the Garda controversies by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.

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Mary Mahon (right) from Longford-Westmeath, felt there was a media bias against Fine Gael and a failure by journalists to appreciate the party's work in government.

“We, in the grassroots, feel the party is doing a great job in difficult circumstances, but it is a case that every newspaper under the sun puts us down.”

Ms Mahon, who has been attending ardfheiseanna since 1983, having been attracted to the party by the leadership of Dr Garret FitzGerald, described Mr Kenny as "the nicest man in Ireland''.

Kildare delegate Sean McDermott said that while the Government was meeting many of its targets, life was tough for people because of economic conditions. He works as a doctor in St James's Hospital and has found his friends reacting negatively when told he is a member of Fine Gael.

"Jobs at home are a big issue for young people," he added. "Many of them are emigrating to places like Australia and do not see Ireland as an option in terms of securing employment."

Mr McDermott said the Government should avoid using cliches and stock phrases when making announcements, particularly about the provision of jobs, and outline in simple terms the detail of what was involved. “Young people get angry, for instance, when internships are considered to be real jobs.”

Eamon Ryan, from Tipperary, felt the party was doing "extraordinarily well" in government, given the economic circumstances in which the Coalition took over. "The Cabinet is a collection of very hardworking Ministers and I think Enda expects people to work hard."

Mr Ryan felt an air of confidence was returning to the Republic, adding that, despite that, it was an “open question” as to how Fine Gael would do in the May elections. “One would expect a setback, given that we are in power, but I think we will probably hold our own.” He felt that, at the end of the day, voters would be more influenced by the improving economy than the “poster antics” of the Opposition and Independents.

Suzanne Costello , Dublin South East, said that while the Government had done well in getting the country out of the bailout, and the economy was improving, the impact of ongoing austerity was significant.

“I am not sure people realise just how tough it is if you are poor, sick or unemployed.”

Ms Costello said she had experienced family illness in recent times and felt that the care system was creaking in a huge way.

“It seems to me that the health services want you to spend every penny of your income, when you come out of hospital, and then the State will step in when you are broke,” she added. “The system is impoverishing people.”

Longford-Westmeath's Emily Wallace , who is just a few years in the party, said she had received positive feedback on Fine Gael's performance in government.

“While there are problems, I think there is a recognition among people that you need an economic foundation before full recovery.”

Ms Wallace said the economic pressures on people were huge and nothing like what they had seen in their lifetimes. “My own family has been affected by emigration, with my brother in Australia, but I think we are starting to see progress.’’

Gearoid Williams from Clare, was one of the delegates to strongly back Mr Shatter.

“He got the warmest reception of any speaker at the ardfheis,” he added. “I think there was an attempt to discredit him with a campaign of smoke and mirrors.”

Mr Williams said the May elections would be a tough challenge for the party.

“I don’t think we will do as well, relatively speaking, as in the general election, but most of the opinion polls are reasonably good for the party.”