Fine Gael Reveal Election Priorities

As the second day of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting in Cavan unfolds, the party has revealed what will its focus issues will be during the next general election.

An alternative approach to the banking crisis and healthcare will be the party's flagship policies, with TDs and Senators discussing the two issues in advance of the resumption of the Dáil next month.

A Dutch health expert is expected to address the meeting with the party's Fair Care health policy based on the Dutch model of universal health insurance.

Fine Gael is opposing the controversial NAMA project, but its own suggested solution of a national recovery bank has not yet secured many supporters outside the party.

Party leader Enda Kenny has addressed the delegation today, saying Fine Gael had the people, the plans and the energy to get Ireland working again.

Addressing the Cavan attendees, Mr Kenny said: "Fine Gael does not underestimate the challenges facing our country. We are not promising easy, instant solutions. But we believe we can build a new society in Ireland that will, over time, deliver both economic growth and a just society.

"We will continue to prove our commitment to the national interest by putting the country first in our approach to the key short-term issues of the Lisbon Treaty, the banking crisis and the budget framework."

Yesterday, the party devoted sessions to the economy and to the Lisbon Treaty referendum on the opening day of their think-in.

The Dáil returns from the summer break next week, earlier than normal, to debate the Government's proposed solution to the banking crisis - the National Asset Management Agency.

(DW/KMcA)