Shane Dolphin, a native of Gurtymadden, south Galway, has been elected the new vice president of Young Fine Gael, scooping a massive 73 per cent of first preference votes at the recent YFG national conference.
The 21-year-old UCD Agricultural Science student, who is also a graduate of St Brigid’s College, Loughrea, and Kilcooley National School, is now in his final year of studies and is preparing for a career in farming. As YFG VP he will serve for two years on the YFG National Executive, as well as the Fine Gael Executive Council; the governing body of the party, led by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.
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“I’m honoured to have received this vote of confidence from our 1,500 strong membership,” said Mr Dolphin. “Young people need to have a strong voice in national politics and I will certainly be using this position to urge our public representatives in Fine Gael to listen to and act upon the concerns of young people, both locally in east Galway, and nationally."
'I hope to provide effective leadership for ordinary young people in Ireland'
Mr Dolphin outlined the issues he will be raising and campaigning on: the necessary investment and supports for rural communities, in terms of broadband connectivity; social and community development; and farming, especially with the “enormous challenges” presented by the new Common Agricultural Policy, climate emission targets, low commodity prices, and EU trade deals.’
“We also need to ensure that we keep issues like rural housing at the top of the agenda,” said Mr Dolphin, “removing the reams of red tape and tackling issues like high insurance premiums for young drivers.”
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Mr Dolphin also founded the East Galway branch of Young Fine Gael in 2018, choosing Patrick Hogan, the Irish Free State’s first Minister for Agriculture and a Kilrickle native, as figurehead.
“He was a man who was ahead of his time and ensured that the voices of farmers were heard at Government level,” he said. “Over the coming term, I hope to follow his example and to provide effective leadership for ordinary young people in Ireland."
