* Achievements in Government * Ireland 2016 * New Member Night

BRANCHLINESSpring 2015

A message from the General Secretary

I am delighted that Fine Gael is holding its National Conference in Castlebar this Friday and Saturday (Feb. 20th/21st). National Conference offers all our party members an opportunity to contribute to key policy debates and is an important stage in our preparations for the General Election.

Fine Gael holds its National Conference in a different location each year, and having viewed a number of different locations, we chose Castlebar for this years event. The town offers fantastic facilities for us to use and we look forward to welcoming over 2,000 delegates here over two days. The Mayo Convention Centre will play host to Fine Gael members from all over the country and we have spent a lot of time in recent weeks preparing for the event. The highlight of our National Conference is the Leaders Address, which will be given by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. This will be televised live at 8.30pm on RTE1 on Saturday night (Feb 21st).

This year is already proving particularly busy as we also prepare for two referenda: one on marriage equality and the other to reduce the lower limit on the Presidential candidates age to 21 years. We will also have a bye-election in Carlow Kilkenny. All three will be held on the same day in May. The selection convention for the Carlow Kilkenny candidate will be held on March 5th next and I am confident that Fine Gael will field a very strong candidate in that constituency.

Thanks to the resilience of the Irish people and the clear plan Fine Gael has followed in Government, the country is now moving in the right direction with the fastest growing economy in the European Union. National Conference allows us to reflect on our progress and outline our plans to ensure the recovery is felt across the country, in each and every community that is the Governments focus, and Fine Gaels, for 2015.

This is the first time Mayo will be hosting a Fine Gael National Conference and it is a special occasion for the entire party to visit the Taoiseachs home town. I know that our presence here in Mayo will bring some added value to the local economy and I hope that everybody has an enjoyable time over the weekend.

With Every Good Wish

Tom Curran

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ON THE COVERCover picture: Minister Charlie Flanagan and Minister Paschal Donohoe launching the Global Greening, a global initiative which brings tourism and economic benefits to Ireland

CONTENTS

2 Ireland 2016 - a key priority for the year ahead3 LGBT kicks off Marriage Equality Referendum

Campaign

4 Count Me In

6 Foreign Affairs and Trade

8 YFG Update

9 Member Matter

10 New Member Night

12 Government Achievements - Useful Facts

and a development at Pearses Cottage, in Rosmuc, Co Galway. These projects are on track to be delivered in time for 2016, and will greatly enhance the publics experience and understanding of the events that took place in the lead up to and following the Rising.

Ireland 2016 has the potential to be an extremely positive occasion. It is very important that we commemorate and respectfully remember. But I think it also gives us all a chance to take stock. To look at how far we have come, and where we want to go in the next 100 years. I hope you will choose to get involved.

I have the privilege of serving as Minister in a Department with one of the most varied and interesting briefs in Government. From culture to commemorations, and from bogs to built heritage, the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht portfolio covers a huge range of areas, which ensures every day is different and the job is endlessly interesting.

Planning ahead for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising is my top priority for the year ahead. Back in November, I was joined by the Taoiseach and the Tnaiste to launch the draft programme of events for Ireland 2016, which will be a national and international initiative to commemorate the Rising, reflect on our achievements over the last 100 years, and ambitiously look towards our future.

A public consultation process is underway, and my officials and I have been meeting with a wide range of groups and stakeholders, in a bid to get as many people on board as possible. I want to ensure that the commemorative events extend far beyond Dublin. That is why we are partnering with Local Authorities, to ensure communities can get involved. I am delighted with the very positive response we have gotten from the GAA, which is very keen to be a part of Ireland 2016. Getting the support of community organisations such as the GAA is essential if we want to make Ireland 2016 a truly national initiative.

Weve been working very closely with the Department of Education to develop an exciting schools programme. I want our young people to be centrally involved in Ireland 2016. After all, who is better positioned to consider how we have lived up to the ideals of the Proclamation and to look towards our future than the youth of today? Were also getting third level institutions on board, where its envisaged a series of debates and discussions will take place on the impact of the Rising, and how Irish society has developed over the last 100 years.

Arts and culture will be at the very centre of the 1916 commemorations. My Department has been working with our National Cultural Institutions, in particular the National Library and the National Museum, to finalise a series of exhibitions and events to look back at life 100 years ago. The Arts Council is also developing its own series of events, which will include artistic commissions and live performance pieces inspired by the Rising.

A very important element of Ireland 2016 are the Permanent Reminders; seven major building and renovation projects at historically important sites which will give us a lasting legacy from the commemorations. They include a major new interpretive centre at the GPO, a new Tenement Museum on Henrietta Street, the refurbishment of the Kevin Barry Rooms at the National Concert Hall, a new visitor centre at Kilmainham Gaol and Courthouse, the upgrade of Richmond Barracks, the provision of a new visitor facility for the Military Service Pension Archives,

IrelAnd 2016 - a key priority for the year ahead

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By Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys Td

Minister Humphreys speaking at the launch of Ireland 2016.

Minister Humphreys on site at the GPO project.

Minister Humphreys examining a model of the new interpretive centre being developed at the GPO.

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T he first meeting was held in the Gresham Metropole Hotel in Cork on Thursday 5th February. It was attended by 160 people. Speakers included Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald TD, Dr Conor OMahony, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law UCC, Laura Harmon, President USI and Brian Sheehan, Director of GLEN.

Following four excellent presentations, covering many different aspects of the issue, there was a lively questions and answers session during which both sides of the debate were well represented. The very clear message from the meeting is that there are committed people on both sides of the issue who have already made up their minds. The real challenge now is to win over the middle ground.

Approximately 60 people attended the Galway meeting held in the Westwood House Hotel on Monday, February 16th.

Minister James Reilly spoke of how the referendum will extend the right to marry, how it will not affect existing marriages, how it is concerned with civil marriage and not religious marriage. The Minister, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, expressed concern at the tone of the debate and urged all participants to be mindful of how the campaign, whats said and done, will affect people, particularly people who are vulnerable and young people. The Minister stressed that there is nothing whatsoever to fear from letting a person marry the person they fall in love with and noted that falling in love and marrying are significant life events for so many of us.

Minister Reilly also pointed to the fact that our forbearers had to fight for freedom, so too must we fight for equality. When put to him that the number of attendees at the event was a sign that the issue wasnt important Minister Reilly contended that few would argue that we ignore the Proclamation of the Republic and the ideals which it embodies because of the small number who gathered outside the GPO almost 100 years ago.

Other speakers included Dr Brian Tobin, Lecturer at Law, NUI Galway School of Law, Rebecca Melvin, NUIG Students Union Equality Officer, Grainne Healy, Chair of Marriage Equality, Keelan Moran, Chair of NUI Galway Young Fine Gael, Jerry Buttimer TD, Chair of Fine Gael LGBT and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children.

Also in attendance were Sean Kyne TD, Paul Connaughton TD, Brian Walsh TD, Cllr Peter Feeney (Galway County Council), Cllr Frank Kearney (Galway County Council), Cllr Frank Fahy (Galway City Council) and Cllr Padraig Conneely (City) as well as Enda Howley, Galway West Constituency Chair and other FG officer board members of Galway West and East and branch members.

The next meeting takes place at the Davenport Hotel in Dublin on Thursday, February 26th and will be addressed by Minister Simon Harris TD, Tiernan Brady of YesEquality, Edel Tierney of Fine Gael LGBT, Eoin Liathain of ShoutOut and Eoghan Murphy TD.

This will be followed by the final meeting of the series in the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise, on March 12th at 8pm. Chaired by Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy TD, Minister Charlie Flanagan TD, Monine Griffith of Marriage Equality and Dave Delaney, Business and Development Manager, Laois Nationalist.

Fine Gael LGBT an inclusive group for Fine Gael members who share a common goal of promoting full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in our party, in our country and in our world.

For more information, find us on facebook, twitter or email lgbt@finegael.ie

lGBT kicks off Marriage equality referendum Campaign

Fine Gael LGBT is holding a series of public information meetings in February and March in preparation for the upcoming referendum on marriage equality. Fine Gael will campaign for a Yes vote.

l-r, Peter leonard, Fine Gael lGBT, Jerry Buttimer Td, Chair of Fine Gael lGBT, James reilly Td, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Senator Hildegarde naughton, Keelin Moran, Fine Gael nUIG Branch, Vanessa Melvin - equality Officer, nUIG Students Union, Maura Healy, Chair of Marriage equality; and dr Brian Tobin of the nUIG Galway School of law.

Photo by Joe OShaugnessy

Can we COUnT YOU In?

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Fighting an election campaign is an expensive exercise. Under the law, every euro used for electoral purposes must come from fundraising alone. Thats why we have launched a special Election Fundraising Appeal called:

COUNT ME IN The Count Me In appeal allows donors to support at a level that suits them. There are seven different levels to choose from. Donating to the Count Me In appeal contributes to the Partys Election Fund as well as rewarding donors with tickets to the Presidential Dinner or for the Annual Superdraw.

We are appealing to past supporters, potential supporters, members and non members for help. We will be enlisting the help of constituencies as well as the National Executive, the Trustees and our Public Representatives.

Can you help us raise funds to launch and sustain the most effective electoral campaign possible? If so please contact Helen Connolly, Head of Fundraising on 086 239 37230 or helen@finegael.com.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR IRELAND

For the latest details on Fine Gael, our policies, and our people, join us at www.finegael.ie, on

Facebook or on Twitter at @FineGael

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CountMeIn_Leaflet_Final.indd 1 16/01/2015 10:06

The Election Superdraw took place on the 11th December last, in the Mont Clare Hotel, Dublin. Minister James Reilly hosted the event and announced the 15 top winners.

The main prize of 20,000 went to Kildare North with second and third prizes going to Sligo Leitrim and Carlow Kilkenny. Congratulations to all who won a prize and thank you for supporting us.

The Superdraw, while marginally down on last year, was a very successful event for the Party and Constituencies will be able to use their rebates to prepare for the General Election campaign.

As always, we are indebted to all the Constituency draw co-ordinators who go above and beyond the call of duty every year to ensure we reach our quotas. Members of the Parliamentary Party and Councillors also deserve a special mention of thanks for keeping the momentum going.

The Superdraw remains, by far, the most successful Fundraiser we have. We very much appreciate and look forward to your continued support next year.

SUpERdRaw wINNER IN KIldaRE NORTH!

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2015 FundraisingDates for Your DiarY

fine Gael annual PresiDential DinnerThe 12th annual Fine Gael Presidential Dinner will take place on Saturday 17 October 2015 in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4.

For further information or to be added to the mailing list please contact: presidentialdinner@finegael.com

fine Gael annual laDies lunchThis years Ladies Lunch will take place in the InterContinental Dublin (formerly the Four Seasons Hotel) on Friday 20 November 2015.

For further information or to be added to the mailing list please contact: ladieslunch@finegael.com

election suPerDraw 2015Following the success of Superdraw 2014, we are pleased to announce that Superdraw 2015 will take place on Thursday 10 December 2015. Tickets will be distributed nationally during September.

For further information please contact: fdc@finegael.com

Minister James Reilly, Fine Gael Head of Fundraising, Helen Connolly and General Secretary, Tom Curran pictured at the Partys recent Annual Superdraw.

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I was delighted in late December, following all night negotiations, that the Stormont House Agreement was achieved.The five Northern Ireland Executive parties and the Irish and British Governments worked together for 12 weeks to reach agreement.

It was a challenging and at times, difficult process for all concerned, involving hundreds of hours of meetings.

Those involved built on the hard won peace on this island with a new agreement which aims to further reconciliation and foster economic growth.

The Agreement covers a broad range of political, social and economic issues.

It sets out a plan for financial and welfare reform.

It proposes a way forward on flags, identity, culture and tradition through the establishment of a commission and envisages the devolution of responsibility for parades to the N.I. Assembly.

It establishes a programme of institutional reform at Stormont and progresses a number of outstanding aspects of prior Agreements.

Very significantly, it establishes a new comprehensive framework for dealing with the corrosive legacy of the Past. This framework includes an oral history archive; a dedicated Historical Investigations Unit which will investigate Troubles-related deaths; and an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval to enable victims and survivors to seek and receive information about the death of their loved ones.

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, this Government is conscious of our responsibilities to all of the people of this island. We will continue to advance political progress and to play our part in the implementation of the SHA. This will help to ensure that the huge potential in the Agreement is realised.

I recently unveiled the design of the new Irish Passport Card, which will be accepted for travel within the European Union and the European Economic Area and will be available from mid-July.For many years, I have supported the introduction of a Passport Card to supplement the Passport Booklet.

The Passport Card will be particularly useful for young people who use their Passport Booklet as identification, especially on nights out. As a parent I have often felt concern about the impracticality of the Passport Booklet as a means of identification for young people on nights out and this new Card will be a far more practical option.

I also launched a Smartphone App which makes it very easy to apply for the card the app even includes a feature allowing a photograph to be taken that will meet international standards for passports.

FOreIGn AFFAIrS And TrAdeMinister Charlie Flanagan updates us on work in his department.

STORMONT HOUSE agREEMENT MEaNS BRIgHTER dayS aHEad fOR NORTHERN IRElaNd

1. First Minister Peter robinson, Minister Charlie Flanagan, deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle.

Minister Flanagan with Trinity YFG members richard Bonham and rachel Kidd

at the launch if the Irish Passport Card.

2. right: Secretary of State for northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers and Minister Charlie Flanagan.

NEw IRISH paSSpORT CaRd

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I n January An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD and I launched a review of Irelands foreign policy: The Global Island: Irelands Foreign Policy for a Changing World at a Conference in Dublin Castle organised by my Department.

The review considers how the Government safeguards our peace, security and economic prosperity, and promotes reconciliation and cooperation at home. The protection of our citizens and the promotion of our values and our interests abroad are at the core of Irelands foreign policy.

The Global Island offers a progressive, forward-looking vision of Irelands place in the world. It sets out the key areas of focus for the Governments global engagement to help secure a prosperous future for the Irish people, and to contribute to building a better world.

My Department has a crucial role to play in creating jobs in Ireland. Through our Embassy network, we have worked hard to restore Irelands economic reputation.

In 27 priority markets, our Ambassadors are chairing Local Market Teams which bring together diplomats and representatives of State agencies to coordinate our work to create opportunities for Irish companies to break into emerging markets and to attract global companies to invest in Ireland.

As part of our new market approach seven additional high potential and exploratory markets were identified, aimed at increasing our engagement with high growth markets. We recently opened new Embassies or Consulates in Bangkok (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia), Nairobi (Kenya), Zagreb (Croatia), Hong Kong (China), Austin (Texas, USA) and in Sao Paulo (Brazil), as well as reopening of Irelands Embassy to the Holy See.

TRadE aNd ECONOMIC dIplOMaCy

fOREIgN pOlICy REVIEw

IRElaNdS ECONOMIC dIplOMaCy IN aCTION

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3. Ministers Flanagan and donohoe with niall Gibbons of Tourism Ireland launching the Global Greening a global initiative which brings tourism and economic benefits to Ireland.

4. An Taoiseach enda Kenny and Minister Flanagan launching the Foreign Policy review, accompanied by Irelands Ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson, and Ambassador to India, Feilim Mclaughlin.

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The latest Young Fine Gael Branch to join the nationwide organisation was Dublin Fingal YFG. Minister James Reilly and Deputy Alan Farrell launched the branch in the Grand Hotel, Malahide. Former Minister for Justice, Nora Owen, led the discussion on Political Education with the new Young Fine Gael members. The new branch launch was supported by local representatives and senior party branch members.

Interim Chair - Clodagh Murray

Interim Secretary - Colm Dowling

Interim Treasurer - Robert Browne

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By Michael Laffan, Author of the award-nominated, Judging WT Cosgrave

YFG Update

dUBlIN fINgal yfg BRaNCH laUNCH

TOWARDS 2016EMPATHY EQUALITY ECONOMY Young Fine Gael 27th National ConferenceRadisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Ennis Road, Limerick

10:00 a.m. : Candidates Debate11:30 a.m.: International Committee Session12:30p.m.: Marriage Equality Campaign12:00-3.00 p.m.: Voting1:30 p.m.: Resolutions & Motions4:00 p.m.: Prime Time Address

Mairead McGuinness, MEP Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD Cllr. Maura Hopkins Dale McDermott, YFG President An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD

5:00-7:00 p.m. : Registration7:30 p.m. : Official Opening8:00 p.m. : The Great Debate10:00 p.m. : Mystery Social Event

10.30 a.m.: Constitutional Amendments

11.30 a.m.: Towards 2016 Seminar

1.30 p.m.: Election Result and Close of Conference

Friday 6th MarchFriday 6th March

Sunday 6th MarchSunday 8th March

Saturday 6th MarchSaturday 7th March

ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT Gala Dinner: Saturday 7th March - 8:00 p.m.

Band: Scoops Music DJ: Spin South Wests John Gibbons

Tickets: 20. Limited availability. Please purchase tickets via PayPal on www.yfg.ie or from the National Youth Officer (01 619 8444, kate@finegael.com)

Right: Dublin Higgins, YFG Dublin Organiser; Deputy Alan Farrell; Clodagh Murray, New Branch Chair; Minister James Reilly; Cllr. Keith Redmond.

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By Michael Laffan, Author of the award-nominated, Judging WT Cosgrave

MeMBerS MATTerS

We want to ensure Fine Gael in Government has met its obligations to the Irish people and discussing these matters with our membership is an important part of planning for the future.

The rallies were held in Tuam, Navan, Cork, Carlow, Sligo, Dublin and Limerick and attracted an impressive turn-out, with an average of 250 members attended each event. Members were invited to complete a survey and 676 completed surveys were returned to Fine Gael National Headquarters, for analysis.

In the surveys, members were asked to identify the challenges that Fine Gael faces in Government, and what needs to be solved. A number of topical issues emerged in the answers, including jobs, the health service and the new water charges but interestingly, members felt that communication can be improved upon, both within the party and externally.

Members recognised the importance of the role they play in the answers given to the question of what the organisation needs to do to prepare for the General Election. The need to build up a solid campaign team for candidates is never under-estimated. It is this team who leaflet drop, canvass, advise and support the candidate and we rely on our members hugely to provide this vital back-up.

Involving our members more and increasing their number is something the party will be focusing on this year. When asked how we attract new members to the party, a large number of existing members answered that they could actively recruit people from their own local networks. Inviting friends and Fine Gael supporters to party activities gives them an insight into the work the party does and how it operates is a good way to introduce a potential new member.

Towards the end of last year, the party held a series of regional rallies around the country. These events gave us a chance to strengthen our organisation as we outline and prepare for the electoral challenges we face.

fg wOMENS NETwORK MEET IN dUBlIN Separately, the Fine Gael womens network has held two events over the past few months. Both events were held in the Hilton Hotel, Kilmainham in Dublin one in November and one last month. The events were well-attended and speakers included the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, Fiona McCaffrey Jones, a Cavan Monaghan member, Ciara McMahon of Young Fine Gael and Camille Loftus, Special Advisor to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly TD.

Childcare policies and mentoring were discussed at these events, which were chaired by Maria Hegarty of Equality Strategies Limited. A series of similar events are planned for this year please keep an eye on the website for further details.

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31. Minister for Finance,

Michael noonan Td, at a Fine Gael regional rally.

2. Stephanie regan, dublin Bay north, listens to speakers at the Fine Gael regional rally in dublin.

3. Mary Mitchell OConnor addresses the Fine Gael Womens network.

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Over 120 people attended the meeting and it proved to be an excellent way for new members to learn more about the organisation and how they can play a role in Fine Gael.The evening kicked off with a session introducing the Fine Gael Organisation. During this session, members heard from Brian Murphy of the Fine Gael Executive Council about the party and how it works, from Terry Murphy of Fine Gael HQ about the different organs and the rules of the party, from Emma Harrison about her experiences as a member in Cork and Dublin, and from Cllr. Vicki Casserly about how she joined, the election experience and what drives her.

This was followed by a session highlighting some of the 2015 political priorities. Eoghan Murphy TD spoke about the need for political reform and highlighted achievements to date, as well as future policy options. Jerry Buttimer TD spoke about the upcoming Marriage Equality Referendum and the importance of winning this campaign for the party, and for the country. James Reilly TD spoke about his work as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and also about the vital role of members. An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, was the final speaker on the night and he outlined his vision for the countrys future, up to and after the 2016 General Election.

Members asked a number of questions to different speakers and enjoyed some refreshments with the speakers and other public representatives from all over the country. A number of new members joined on the night and many encouraged their friends and family to join on foot of the event.

neW MeMBer nIGHT

l-r: Anne McCaffery, linda OShea Farren, Senator Cit Keane, Stephanie regan and Councillor Paula donovan

EMMa HaRRISON pRO, dUBlIN wEST

I joined Fine Gael for many reasons.My interest in politics really began in my 20s. Prior to that if I am honest, I really had no interest. I did go to vote when I turned 18 but I had no insight into who I was voting for. I asked my Dad for guidance and he advised me to research political parties myself to have a better understanding and he was right. I chose the Fine Gael party because of what they stood for.

I only became an active member after the 2007 General Election when I was lucky enough to get an insight into Fine Gael, canvassing and a very important General Election.

I was living in Cork at the time. I got involved in that election simply because I was asked. Deputy Jerry Buttimer was out canvassing and one afternoon he knocked on my door and asked if I was interested in helping. One of the reasons I said yes was to get to know the area I was living in and also to get to know people but I had no idea of the doors this opportunity would open for me. I learnt alot about canvassing and politics in that time and so I joined the party.

A welcome night was held for prospective members and those who have recently joined from Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow in mid January.

Emma Harrison, pictured on the right, with Ciara McMahon, YFG

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My ElECTION ExpERIENCE

A number of years ago, I first met the now Cllr William Lavelle and Minister Frances Fitzgerald on my search for information regarding services, lack of services and failings in my community for children with disability. My son had been diagnosed with a condition which brought me on a journey where I was regularly encountering barriers and obstacles hindering our path. At the time, I called on every local representative for support in accessing what we required and to develop improved services in our area. No one was willing to step up to the mark effectively, yet there was still a very obvious need for support. I had a random chance meeting with Cllr Lavelle, who wasnt elected at the time. Having lost all faith, I told him our story, He didnt have the answers but told me he would come back to me with a commitment from Senator Fitzgerald to address these issues, and we worked together from that day. That was 7 years ago now and their dedication locally was and remains commendable.

My family and I had committed to giving them our full support as we believed in their work ethic, morals and commitment to all things local which could only be advantageous to our community.

At this point, I actively engaged in my network, relaying this good work, whilst carrying on with my own projects, very much under the radar but with the full and constant support of Cllr Lavelle and Minister Fitzgerald.

A number of months prior to election, having thought things through, I decided I would put myself forward to run in the local elections. I felt that in order to make changes, you need to be involved and I believed I held similar qualities, values and work ethic required to represent my specific area of interest in a strong capacity as well as the ability to represent Fine Gael in an effective manner with the team in our area.

I was new to politics and my team was small but very effective. I engaged with the local Fine Gael branch and retired Councillors, who shared a wealth of knowledge and experience. I would describe my journey to being elected as a short sharp burst!

I stayed true to myself and my goals and I was never afraid to say I dont know. As I previously learned from my first encounter with William, it is okay not to know as it gives you the opportunity to go away and learn and come back to constituents, showing them your commitment to help where you can which I feel is vital in my new role.

I thoroughly enjoyed my campaign experience and would urge members to keep active. There are always ways to help local representatives, from leaflet drops to canvassing to sharing thoughts over a cup of tea. Having being successfully elected, I am proud of the opportunities that have come my way and I look forward to the next few years and whatever challenges lie ahead.

I was made redundant from my job in February 2009 when the recession really took hold and I was sorry to have to leave Cork. I was fortunate enough to get another job which brought me to Dublin in May 2009. I enquired in Dublin West, where I live, about joining the local branch and so my journey in Fine Gael continued.

I became a very active member in Dublin and since I have been a member, we have had referenda, local elections, bye elections and a general election.

Ive canvassed with Fine Gael now as an opposition party and also as the leader of Government. Its so important that new members are recruited to continue promoting the party.

Being a member is a great social outlet too! I attend regular branch and constituency meetings, public meetings, local events, fundraisers and so on. If you know of anyone has an interest I would ask you to encourage people to join. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and can contribute in their own way to help Fine Gael get re-elected for a second term.

Council lor Vicki Casserly and her son James

Government Achievements Useful Facts

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n 80,000 jobs have been added since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs. 300,000 were lost in the last three years up to 2011 #allaboutjobs

n We are helping people from welfare to work and ensuring work pays by cutting income tax for the first time in seven years #allaboutjobs

n This Government has taken 410,000 low paid workers out of the USC net and increased the minimum wage

n Unemployment has fallen for 31 months in a row and fallen from a peak of 15.1% to 10.5% #positiveireland

n More tourists, over 7.6 million in 2014, are coming to Ireland than at any time since 2007 #positiveireland

n Irish food and drink exports reached an all-time high of e10.5 billion in 2014

n For the second year in a row, Ireland is forecast to be the fastet growing economy in the eU #positiveireland

n We are undoing the economic mess we inherited, reducing Government borrowing by e50 billion over the next decade

n We have fully regained our economic sovereignty, regained control of the public finances and cut the deficit by 75%

n Public sector numbers have been reduced 10% and the recruitment embargo is now being lifted in a targeted and focused way

n We are looking to right the wrongs of the past with schemes for survivors of symphysiotomy and the Magdalene laundries

n We established Tusla, the most comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family supports ever undertaken in Ireland

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