FG Begins Two-day 'Think-In'

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny will gather the special Fine Gael Parliamentary Party today in the latest gathering before the Dail term opens next week.

The Fine Gael Parliamentary Party will begin a two-day 'think-in' this afternoon in Galway, while Labour concludes theirs in Carlow.

The largest Fine Gael Parliamentary Party will gather for the first time since the election to review the party's performance leading the Government.

The Taoiseach will have to keep his nerve and reassure his TDs that acting in the national interest will be to their advantage in the end.

Before that the party must have a good result in the presidential election and Fine Gael's candidate Gay Mitchell may have to quell some residual doubts about his ability to attract cross-party support.

In addition it is understood that the Taoiseach may face questions about his on-going Vatican row.

Mr Kenny has made assertions the Vatican obstructed the inquiry into child abuse in the diocese of Cloyne.

Discussions in Galway will focus on budget preparation, the economy and jobs.

Elsewhere the Labour party will convene for a second day for its pre-Dáil meeting in Co Carlow.

Labour will discuss strategy on natural resources, the Presidential election, as well as possible changes to the Constitution as a result of the planned constitutional convention.

Yesterday Labour warned that tough decisions will be made in the Irish Republic's December budget.

Tánaiste and Labour Party leader Eamon Gimore said the government wants to cut spending, increase revenue and create a wider tax base.

See: Budget Cuts Tough But Necessary

(LB/BMcC)