Several hundred Fine Gael activists attended a rally in Kilkenny last night at which the party leader, Mr Enda Kenny, promised radical change at every level.

The meeting was the latest in a series organised by Mr Kenny at which he is inviting members and supporters to take part in the "restoration of Fine Gael as a major political force."

About 500 people attended the event in the Newpark hotel and they had plenty to say about the party's showing in the election.

Mr David Fitzgerald, a Kilkenny-based auctioneer, told The Irish Times as the meeting began that the party needed to do a lot of "soul-searching".

The consultative process begun by Mr Kenny would, he hoped, provoke "real ideas" and reinvigorate the party.

Ms Betty Manning, the newly elected mayor of Kilkenny, said there was an "incredible buzz" about the meeting and it looked as if people were willing to re-energise the party. Ms Josephine Chamney, the chairwoman of the party's Clonmel branch, said Fine Gael needed to work on its electoral strategy on the ground. The drop in its seats had far exceeded the reduction in its vote.

"Perhaps running just one candidate in some constituencies is not a good idea, and running three in others is perhaps not a good idea either."

Another party member, Mr John Moore, from South Kildare, was there to hear Mr Kenny for the first time. He hoped there would be more contact between those at the top of the party and members at grassroots level.

Mr Kenny, who addressed an open forum following a series of workshops, told activists that with "real loyalty" they could build an organisation that was strong and powerful from the bottom up.

"Under my leadership, there will be no edicts from on high. There will be no cliques. There will be no in-party backbiting and fighting. There will be no factions. Only unity", he said.