The future of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny was a topic of conversation at the recent Fine Gael Longford-Westmeath meeting held last Thursday (May 11 ) at The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule.
The meeting acknowledged the work undertaken by the Taoiseach during his time in office, and the majority agreed he should be afforded the time to select his departure date in the coming weeks.
Athlone Senator Gabrielle McFadden was vocal in her support for the Taoiseach.
“I have always been a loyal supporter of Enda Kenny, and I believe that history will be kind him, and show him as the Taoiseach that turned our country around and put it back on its feet again,” she said. “Enda Kenny continues to successfully represent Ireland both at EU level and also with regard to Brexit.”
However, Senator McFadden added that when the day comes that Mr Kenny steps down, Fine Gael are “exceptionally lucky” to have candidates of such calibre putting their names forward as future leaders - in reference to Ministers Varadkar and Coveney. She said no matter who wins the race for the top job, Fine Gael will unite behind them.
Deputy Peter Burke also addressed the meeting, highlighting the busy year he has had, and updated the group on a number of local and national projects he is working on. He said the country is set to break even in 2018 and it is his priority to ensure that everyone now feels the benefit of this in their pocket, and the economy delivers for people.
Fine Gael members also said that the hard work and sacrifice of the Irish people coupled with responsible governing has helped “to turn the country around”. Pointing to a reduction in unemployment from 15.2 per cent to 6.2 per cent, with 1,300 jobs being created every week and 50 per cent of these outside of Dublin, they said people could now look forward to a better future.
