An Ireland For All - FIANNA FÁIL - Fianna Fail
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An Ireland
For All
FIANNA FÁIL
T H E R E P U B L I CA N PA R T Y
Contents
Information
Córú Fhianna Fáil / 3
Welcome Message from Micheál Martin TD / 4
General Secretary’s Welcome / 6
Membership Information / 8
Dates for Your Diary / 9
Wolfe Tone Commemoration / 11
Ógra Fianna Fáil / 12
Polasaí Fhianna Fáil i leith na Gaeilge / 16
Parliamentary Party Contact Details / 18
Current Ard Chomhairle / 29
Honorary Secretaries’ Report / 30
Superdraw Information / 33
Media Engagement / 34
Joint Honorary Treasurers’ Report / 36
Ard Fheis Elections
Vice President / 44
Committee of 15 / 48
Northern Ireland Representative / 56
Resolutions
Social Protection / 59
Communications, Climate Action and Natural Resources / 59
Health / 61
Housing, Planning and Local Government / 63
Defence / 65
Justice and Equality / 66
Finance and Public Expenditure / 67
Office of Public Works / 68
Transport, Tourism and Sport / 69
Education and Skills / 70
Business, Jobs and Innovation / 71
Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht / 72
Foreign Affairs, Trade, Northern Ireland and Europe / 72
Agriculture / 73
Organisation / 74
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 1
Sign Up To The Official Fianna Fáil Newsletter
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Phone: 01 676 1551 Write to:
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Dublin 2
D02 NX40
Social Media
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Facebook.com/FiannaFail @FiannaFailParty
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Córú Fhianna Fáil
Córú Fhianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil is a National Movement. Its aims are:
I To secure in peace and agreement the unity of Ireland and its people.
II To develop a distinctive national life in accordance with the diverse traditions and
ideals of the Irish people as part of a broader European culture, and to restore and
promote the Irish language as a living language of the people.
III To guarantee religious and civil liberty, and equal rights, equal treatment and equal
opportunities for all the people of Ireland.
IV To develop the resources and wealth of Ireland to their full potential, while making
them subservient to the needs and welfare of all the people of Ireland, so as to
provide the maximum sustainable employment, based on fostering a spirit of
enterprise and self-reliance and on social partnership.
V To protect the natural environment and heritage of Ireland and to ensure a balance
between town and country and between the regions, and to maintain as many
families as practicable on the land.
VI To promote the family, and a wider sense of social responsibility, and to uphold the
rule of law in the interest of the welfare and safety of the public.
VII To maintain the status of Ireland as a sovereign State, as a full member of the
European Union and the United Nations, contributing to peace, disarmament and
development on the basis of Ireland’s independent foreign policy tradition.
VIII To reform the laws and institutions of State, to make them efficient, humane,
caring and responsive to the needs of the citizen.
Note On Schedule
The schedule of events for the 78ú Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis is outlined separately in
your Ard Fheis mailing and will also be available in the RDS throughout the event.
Please make sure to consult it for the most up-to-date time and location
information.
Message from Micheál Martin TD
Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil
Fáilte go dtí 78ú Árd Fheis Fhianna Fáil. issues that we do not agree with but we
have also used our influence to achieve far
Tá súil agam go mbuailfidh mé libh i rith more progressive policies. The pension was
an deireadh seachtaine agus muid ag plé na increased. We committed to deliver better
ndúshláin thábhachtacha gur gá don Pháirtí public services and we succeeded in getting
aghaidh a thabhairt orthu sa todhchaí. more than a 2:1 split on investment in
services and tax cuts in the first Budget of the
I would like to sincerely welcome you all to Confidence & Supply arrangement. We have
our 78th Ard Fheis. also repeatedly said that more investment
needs to be allocated to preparing for Brexit.
It is now nearly 20 months since the last Ireland needs to have a plan for Brexit.
general election and I want to thank you all
for your dedicated work in your communities While there is still a long way to go to address
to help us elect more TD’s across the country. the two-tiered recovery, our Party’s influence
With your continued dedication we can made the 2017 Budget the first progressive one
continue to build on this success. in six years.
Fianna Fáil entered the Confidence and We have approached this year’s Budget in the
Supply Arrangement in May 2016 to enable a same way trying to achieve more investment
minority led government to be put in place. in services rather than prioritising tax cuts
This decision was made in the interests for the high earners. As a result of this
of the Country. It was the responsible and arrangement there will be a better public
constructive thing to do. teacher ratio, better services in health as more
patients will be treated through the National
It is the first arrangement of this type in Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and more
Ireland and it has been a great challenge investment in delivering affordable and social
particularly when political opponents accuse houses.
us of being in government rather than
opposition. We are clearly in opposition, There was also a commitment in the C&S
holding the government to account, but we arrangement to reduce USC for low and
have agreed to support policy areas that are in middle income earners and we have ensured
the best interests of the people and provided that this commitment is delivered for the
that our policy commitments get delivered second year in a row. Mortgage interest relief
upon. has also been extended and this is helping
thousands of home owners.
Since May 2016, we have opposed the
www.fiannafail.ie
Leader’s Welcome
We have brought forward many policy ideas of urgency. Delays in this issue make no
to try to constructively address the housing financial or moral sense. Apartment blocks
issue in Ireland. Unfortunately some of these should be higher to allow more families to
have been selectively attacked while others be housed. Vacant units above shops across
ignored. To tackle the housing issue we Ireland should be given incentives to convert
believe all options should be considered. and be utilised for housing in the medium
term. We also suggested that VAT be reduced
Over 20 months ago, in our general election for affordable houses. These are just some of
manifesto, we suggested NAMA should be our suggestions and all are available on www.
used. The government have recently agreed to fiannafail.ie.
utilise NAMA but have not yet spelt out how
this is going to be done. I look forward to meeting you all and I look
forward to listening to your contributions
Credit unions should be utilised to help to our debates on Housing, Health, Climate
young couples to buy affordable housing and change and Brexit, to mention but a few, over
affordable owner occupier and rental housing the next coming days.
schemes need to be introduced for middle
income households. The restrictive and over Finally, I want to wish all of the candidates
bureaucratic planning processes need to be who are putting themselves forward for
streamlined and severe sanctions against election to the National Executive the very
hoarding of lands need to be introduced. best in what looks like to be a very tight
contest.
Everyone is aware of bordered up houses
across the country and these should be Le gach dea ghui.
prioritised for refurbishment as a matter
Micheál Martin TD
Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 5General Secretary’s Welcome
Seán Dorgan
Welcome back to the RDS for the 78ú Fianna identifying and supporting candidates
Fáil Ard Fheis. I hope this year’s Ard Fheis will and constituencies. We will be focused on
be a hugely productive and enjoyable one for winning at least one seat in each of the 11
our members and observers. Dublin constituencies, along with the other
28 constituencies outside of Dublin. Members
This year’s schedule will examine the key can be assured that this work is underway and
issues facing Ireland today. I hope that is being progressed in a planned and strategic
you will fully participate in the weekend’s way.
programme. I also hope that you will
enjoy yourself in the process, meeting and In addition to national election planning,
interacting with your fellow members from the next local and European elections are
around the country. now just 19 months away. We will be in
contact with members and units in relation to
Since our last Ard Fheis, we fought a very preparations for these elections in due course.
successful general election, winning 44 Both contests are very important for the Party
seats. It was an important milestone on our and being well prepared is a key part of that
renewal journey, coming after very successful process.
local elections in 2014. Our organisational
focus since last year’s election has been on As we continue to renew, we still have
strengthening our organisation, growing much work to do. Ógra has had a successful
our membership and supporting our number of years and we must continue to
representatives. We must be ever-vigilant and encourage young people to join Fianna Fáil,
focused on consolidating the gains we made making it a vibrant place for them. We must
in 2014 and 2016 and also in identifying and also continue to encourage young people
focusing on other opportunities for electoral to seek selection and election. The same
growth. applies to continuing to encourage women
to join, participate in and seek selection and
In that regard, we have much work to do. The election. While we had a successful general
National Constituencies Committee (NCC), election campaign in 2016, with more women
under the chairmanship of Chris Flood, has contesting the election on a Fianna Fáil ticket
been busy in ensuring that our candidate than ever before, this remains a challenge and
selection process is underway and planned. a continuing important priority.
For example, in Dublin, while we made very
significant gains in 2016, there are still five I would like to thank all our members and
constituencies where we have no TD. Our units for their efforts over the past year in
objective is to complete the selection process fundraising for the Party. The 2016 Super
in these constituencies as a matter of priority, Draw was our most successful for over five
www.fiannafail.ieGeneral Secretary’s Welcome
years. This allowed us to continue to decrease Fheis. They work tirelessly to ensure that the
the Party debt levels significantly. Further work of our Party is carried out, every day and
details of the Party’s spending and fundraising done in a professional way. You will meet them
over the last year can be found in the Joint over this weekend and I know you will agree
Honorary Treasurers’ Report, located later with me that they are great ambassadors of our
in this Clár. Once again, Fianna Fáil owes a party.
huge debt of gratitude to our membership and
supporters, who continue to support the Party. Please study this Clár, particularly the schedule.
There will be a more detailed schedule available
Membership of Fianna Fáil is now at record as you enter the RDS. You should consult this
levels, since the introduction of One Member also, in case any changes have been made.
One Vote (OMOV). Thanks to each of our 20,000
members for their continued active involvement I’d welcome any suggestions or comments you
in, and commitment to, the Party. may have on any aspect of this Ard Fheis, or on
wider organisational issues. Please feel free to
Earlier this year, the Party launched its Public write to me at Fianna Fáil HQ or email me at
Representative Assistance Programme. This is seandorgan@fiannafail.ie.
a confidential service, provided by an external
professional expert organisation, offering Enjoy the Ard Fheis and thank you for your
counselling and support on a range of matters. continued commitment and loyalty to Fianna
It is available to each of our 320+ public Fáil.
representatives.
Finally, I would like to thank the staff at Seán Dorgan
Headquarters and Leinster House for their General Secretary
commitment and hard work since our last Ard
Seán Dorgan
General Secretary
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 7Fianna Fáil Membership
Fianna Fáil Membership
There are two different forms of Fianna Associate Members are those who choose
Fáil membership. not to pay their subscription. Associate
members can attend cumann meetings and
Fully subscribed Voting Members are other events but may not vote in any Party
those who have paid their subscription. decisions.
Following a 12 month waiting period,
voting members have rights at their Members who wish to become, or remain,
Cumann, Chomhairle Ceantair and fully subscribed Voting members can do so
Chomhairle Dáil Cheantair. They also have using the appropriate membership form,
voting rights at selection conventions obtainable from Fianna Fáil Headquarters or
convened in their area and at Ard from the Fianna Fáil stand in the Ard Fheis
Fheiseanna. Voting members can also Exhibition area. Alternatively, you can pay
vote in the election of the Party Leader as your membership subscription online at
well as a vote that will determine whether www.fiannafail.ie/member.
Fianna Fáil should participate in future
coalition governments.
Membership Subscription Options
One year membership €20
Three year membership €50
Five year membership €80
Life membership €200
How To Join Fianna Fáil
There are four ways to apply to join Fianna Fáil:
Log on to the website: Email: join@fiannafail.ie
www.fiannafail.ie
Phone: 01 6761551 Write to:
Membership Department,
Fianna Fáil Headquarters,
65/66 Lower Mount Street.
Dublin 2
D02 NX40
www.fiannafail.ie
www.fiannafail.ieDates for Your Diary
Dates
DatesFor
forYour
YourDiary
Diary
Annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration President’s Dinner
Sunday 22 October 2017
nd
Saturday, 18th November 2017
Bodenstown Cemetery, Sallins, Co. Kildare. Clayton Hotel (Formerly the Burlington)
Earlier start time of 11.00am. Burlington Road, Dublin 2.
Superdraw 2017 Ógra National Youth Conference
Wednesday 20 December
th
Friday 16th & Saturday 17th
1st Floor, 65-66 Lower Mount Street, February 2018
Dublin 2.
Arbour Hill Commemoration
Sunday, 22nd April 2018
Starts at 12 Noon
Arbour Hill Church & Cemetery
Dublin 7.
Please note that further events will be added throughout this year and next year.
For information and updates, please refer to the weekly Party Bulletin.
You can sign up for it at www.fiannafail.ie, email bulletin@fiannafail.ie or contact
Party Headquarters on 01 6761551.
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 9FIANNA FÁIL
T H E R E P U B L I C A N PA R T Y
Cairde Fáil 2017
PRESIDENT’S DINNER
Saturday 18th November
Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road (formerly The Burlington)
Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4
Tickets: €80 Table of 10: €750
For more details or to book tickets, contact Anne Quinn on (01) 6649233 or anne@fiannafail.ie
www.fiannafail.ieAnnual
Fianna Fáil
Wolfe Tone
Commemoration
2017
You are invited to the Annual Fianna Fáil Commemoration at
Bodenstown Cemetery, Kildare on Sunday, 22nd October 2017 at 11.00am.
Micheál Martin TD, Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, will lay a wreath at the grave of
Theobald Wolfe Tone and deliver the Oration, commemorating the contribution
made by Wolfe Tone and his comrades.
TDs, Senators, Ard Chomhairle members, Local Authority members, members and
supporters of Fianna Fáil will be in attendance and all are welcome.
Please note the earlier time of 11.00am for the 2017 commemoration.
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 11Uachtarán
James Doyle Dublin Fingal
Policy & Campaigns Events Director
Peter Caulfield Dion Davis
Mayo Limerick City / UCC
Membership & 3rd Level Organiser
Recruitment, Niamh Joanne Keating
Traynor Dublin Fingal Cork North Central / UCC
Irish Language & Dublin Organiser
Cultural Officer Aoibheann Mahon
Caolán Mac Grianna / TCD Dublin Bay North
Munster Organiser Connacht / Ulster
Róisín Redmond Organiser, Tom
Cork North Central / CIT Cahill Galway East / NUIG
Northern Organiser Leinster Organiser
Paul MacNamee Eimhin Boland
Belfast Offaly / AIT
www.fiannafail.ieÓgra Fianna Fáil
Uachtarán Ógra Fhianna Fáil, James Doyle
A Chairde, tá fáilte romhaibh ar ais chuig party. We thank the Irish people for placing
Baile Átha Cliath. Tá áthas an domhain orm such confidence in our party once again. We
go bhfuil an Ard Fheis ar ais i m’áit dúchais. will not let them down. Members of Ógra
Nuair a bhíonn an ócáid seo ar siúil san RDS, Fhianna Fáil played a key role in the party’s
bíonn atmaisféar speisialta timpeall na háite! success. Our members slogged it out, hail,
Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh sult as an rain, and shine supporting our local Fianna
deireadh seachtaine. Fáil candidates. We are particularly proud
that young TDs such as Jack Chambers and
It’s a pleasure to welcome you back to my Lisa Chambers were elected to Dáil Éireann.
home city of Dublin for the 78th Fianna I have no doubt that they are merely the first
Fáil Ard Fheis. There is always a great buzz of a new generation who will run for public
when we get together here in the RDS and office. I am also grateful to Uachtarán Fhianna
I trust that you will find the weekend both Fáil Micheál Martin TD for recognising
productive and enjoyable. Since the last the contribution of Ógra members to the
Ard Fheis, I am happy to report that Ógra election campaign in his post-election media
Fhianna Fáil has continued to thrive and interviews. Mar a deirtear, mol an Óige agus
develop across the thirty-two counties. This tiocfaidh sí.
has not come easily. It is down to the hard
work of grassroots members of Ógra in Comhdháil Náisiúnta Ógra 2016
constituencies and third level institutions
throughout Ireland. When I see these talented, National Youth Conference 2016
dedicated and diligent young people who
selflessly commit their time and efforts to this Last November, the Treaty City played host to
organisation, I am reassured that the future the National Youth Conference of the Fianna
of our party will be a truly bright one. I am Fáil party. The theme for the weekend was
particularly glad to see Ógra members contest ‘Shape Our Nation’, and Ógra members turned
internal elections – we wish them and every out in force to debate and discuss a wide range
other candidate the best of luck. of topical issues and to elect a new Central
Officer Board. The organisers David O’Sullivan
and Limerick City Ógra, ably assisted by
Olltoghchán 2016
Fintan Phelan, our National Youth Officer,
General Election 2016 hosted a weekend that will be remembered for
years to come. The officers elected were:
Seo é an chéad Ard Fheis tar éis Olltoghchán
2016. This is the first Ard Fheis since Fianna Uachtarán | James Doyle
Fáil won the 2016 General Election. We may
not have finished with the most seats, but Policy & Campaigns Director |
our gains far exceeded those of any other Peter Caulfield
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 13Ógra Fianna Fáíl Uachtarán Ógra Fhianna Fáil, James Doyle
Events Director | Dion Davis the renewal of units in all constituencies and
in third level institutions. After last month’s
Membership & Recruitment Director | fantastic third level recruitment campaign,
Niamh Traynor (Dublin Fingal) we will continue to engage with these new
members and ensure that they are listened
3rd Level Organiser | Joanne Keating to and are involved in the organisation. It
may be a cliché, but these new members
Irish Language & Culture Officer | are the public representatives of tomorrow.
Caolán Mac Grianna As the first person in my family to become
involved in politics, and as someone who has
Dublin Organiser | Aoibheann Mahon risen through Ógra’s ranks, I know it can be
daunting when you first join. I hope that both
Munster Organiser | Róisín Redmond Ógra and senior party members will always be
cognisant of this and continue to extend the
Connacht/Ulster Organiser | hand of friendship and welcome to our latest
recruits.
Northern Organiser | Paul McNamee
It has been a privilege to travel to cumann
Leinster Organiser | Eimhin Boland meetings in all parts of the country, and I
am grateful to Ógra members for the warm
Subsequently, and after an open competition, welcome which they have extended to me
the COB appointed Mike Forde (Cork East) as on many occasions. From Cork to Belfast,
Press Officer. At the AGM of Ógra’s National constituency based Ógra units which
Council, Gavin Curry (Galway West) was are embedded in local communities are
elected Chairperson and Malachy Hand invaluable. The Central Officer Board has
(Roscommon) was elected Secretary. In developed a local recruitment leaflet which
addition to this, Keith Henry (Sligo) was has been rolled out to all interested cumainn.
re-elected as International Officer and Seán- Our growing social media presence has also
Diarmuid Kelliher (Kerry/UCC) was elected been of great assistance in boosting our
Diversity & Equality Officer. Tá na hoifigigh go recruitment of new members.
léir ag obair go dian ar son an pháirtí.
Gníomhaíocht Ógra
Ag Forbairt & Ag Tacú le Cumainn
Ógra Activity
Developing & Supporting Cumainn
An essential component of our success has
One of my main priorities as Uachtarán Ógra been activity on the ground and on social
has been the encouragement and support of media. Ógra has actively supported positive
www.fiannafail.ieÓgra Fianna Fáil
mental health through our ‘Christmas Catch
Up’ campaign and many of our members also
Tuaisceart na hÉireann
participated in the Pieta House “Darkness into The North of Ireland
Light” event. We have held many different
events over the past year. The De Valera The progress of the party in the Six Counties
Cup English language debating competition is a key concern for Ógra members north and
was won by Fionnán Long and Conor Rock south of the border. In light of Brexit and the
of UCD and the Irish language competition recent difficulties concerning the Legislative
was won by Caolán Mac Grianna and Gavin Assembly, the need to engage with Northern
Curry. Sligo Ógra retained the Jack Lynch Cup politics is more acute than ever before. Ógra’s
in football, beating Mayo, and the De Valera Northern Organiser Paul McNamee has done
Shield Tag Rugby tournament was held at Trojan work in recruiting new members
the Ógra Summer School. Over the summer, and reconnecting with people who had
our members marched in Pride parades in all fallen away. Ógra fully supports the drive to
major cities. We ran a successful recruitment contest elections in the North in 2019 and will
campaign on college campuses. We have continue to promote issues which affect our
actively participated in commemorations and northern members.
national events. We have also had plenty of
social activities such as Laois-stock and the
Na Dúshláin atá Romhainn
Roscommon Ógra BBQ. Similarly, our local
cumainn have been actively participating on The Challenges Ahead
the ground in local activities. All in all, it has
been a busy year. As I enter my last few months as Uachtarán,
and indeed with only a few short years left
The Central Officer Board has been active on a in Ógra, I am acutely aware of the challenges
European level through our interaction with ahead. I believe that the next Central Officer
our sister parties in LYMEC. I have attended Board will inherit an organisation which is in
two congresses with International Officer rude health. The most immediate challenge
Keith Henry and together we have put forward will be to capitalise on this organisational
Ógra’s thoughts and positions on topical strength and further increase our active
issues affecting the entire continent, such as membership. We need to be fighting fit when
Brexit and regional transport. As a mark of the the next election is called and we have a duty
respect in which our former Uachtarán Eoin to be an effective voice for young people in
Neylon is held, he was invited to chair the modern Ireland. This will require innovation
LYMEC Spring Congress in Stockholm – a first and hard work. Níl dabht ar bith agam – beidh
for any Ógra member. sé ar ár gcumas an ról sin a glachadh.
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 15Polasaí Fhianna Fáil i leaith na Gaelige
Polasaí Fhianna Fáil i leith na Gaeilge
Eamon Ó’Cuív TD Aindreas Ó Muimhneacháin TD
Tá polasaí láidir ag Fianna Fáil i leith na labhraíonn an Ghaeilge gach lá.
Gaeilge agus bhí cur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar
bhun aidhm ariamh ag an bpáirtí ó bunaíodh Níor cuireadh an Stráitéis Fiche Bliain don
é í 1926. Idir 1997 agus 2011 thóg Fianna Fáil Ghaeilge i bhfeidhm agus gearradh siar ar
céimeanna móra chun an Ghaeilge a chur acmhainni don teanga
chun tosaigh
Cuireadh deireadh le toghadh ionadaithe ó
Orthu seo bhí: phobal na Gaeltachta ar Bhord Údarás na
Gaeltachta
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003
Bunú oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga Sa gcomhaontú a rinneadh idir Fianna Fáil
Bunú Fhoras na Gaeilge agus Fine Gael roimh bhunú an rialtais seo
Cearta teanga a chur san áireamh i ndlithe d’éiligh Fianna Fáil agus d’aontaigh Fine
éagsúla mar shampla in achtanna oideachais Gael go gcuirfí geallúint sa gComhaontú
agus in achtanna pleanála Muiníne agus Éilimh maidir le breis acmainní
Bunú Choimisiún na Gaeltachta don Ghaeilge. Tá an gheallúint seo fós le
Forbairt agus glacadh leis an Straitéis Fiche comhlíonadh ag an Rialtas agus beidh Fianna
Bliain don Ghaeilge Fáil ag brú go láidir go ndéanfar san.
Mór-chuid caiteachais a dhéanamh ar bhun
structúr Gaeltactha agus Gaeilge Má thóghtar muid ar ais i Rialtas leanfar den
Bunú COGG(An Chomhairle Oideachais Um obair a bhí ar bun ag Fianna Fail don Ghaeilge
Ghaelscolaíocht agus Oideachas Ghaeltachta) suas go 2011.
I rith ár dtréimhse in oifig tháinig méadú ar I measc na mór pholasaithe a bheidh ag
líon na gcainteoirí Gaeilge taobh istigh agus Fianna Fáil beidh-:
taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht
Acmhainní breise a gcur ar fáil don teanga
Faraor le sé bliana anuas theip ar na Rialtais agus don Ghaeltacht mar atá á éileamh ag na
faoi cheannas Fhine Gael ar an nGaeilge agus heagraíochtai Gaeilge
ar an nGaeltacht.
An Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge a chur
Thainig meath suntasach ar líon na ndaoine i bhfeidhm go hiomlán agus de réir mar is
a deir go bhfuil Gaeilge acu agus orthu siúd a gá leasuithe a ndéanamh air chun é a láidriú
www.fiannafail.iePolasaí Fhianna Fáil i leaith na Gaelige
agus a chur in oiriúnt d’athruithe sa sochaí. Láidriú a dhéanamh ar Acht na dTeangacha
Oifigiúla trí reachtaíocht nua a thabhairt
Béim faoi leith a chur ar ládriú na teanga sa isteach.
Ghaeltacht.
Úsáid na Gaeilge a spreagadh i measc
Greasáin Gaeltachta a bhunú ar fud na tíre in comhluchtaí príobháideacha.
áit ar bith go bhfuil Gaelscoil lonnaithe agus
meadú mór a chur ar na deiseanna sna pobail Breis tacaíochta a thabhairt don chraoladh trí
seo an Ghaeilge a úsáid taobh amuigh den Ghaeilge ar a airítear TG4, Raidio na Gaeltachta,
chóras oideachais. Raidio Rí Ra agus Raidio na Life.
Cur le fostaíocht ar fud na Gaeltachta (go mór Tacaíocht láidir a thabhairt do phobal an
mhór fostaiocht teanga lárnaithe) le pobal na Tuaiscirt ina n-éileamh i leith na teanga. Ar
Gaeltachta a láidriú. na héileamh seo áirítear Cearta Gaeilge sa g
córas oideachais, Acht Teanga, Gaeilge sna
Cinntiú uair amháin eile go mbeidh meáin cumarsáide agus acmhainní do phobal
tromlach Bhord Údaras na Gaeltachta tofa go labhartha na teanga i ngach pobal.
daonlathach.
Breis tacaíocthaí a thabhairt don luath
Feabhas a chur ar bhunstructúr na Gaeltachta oideachas trí Ghaeilge.
trí na scéimeanna Gaeltachta éagsúla a
thabhairt ar ais. Úsáid na Gaeilge a laidriú taobh istigh
d’eagraíocht Fhianna Fáil agus Ógra Fhianna
Feabhas mór a chur ar mhúineadh na Gaeilge Fáil.
sa gCóras Oideachais.
Molann muid an obair ata déanta le bliain
Cur leis na cúrsaí triú léibhéal a bheidh ar anuas ag Ógra Fhianna Fáil agus molann muid
fáil trí Ghaeilge le cinntiú go mbeidh dóthain go speisialta an obair éachtach atá déanta ag
soláthar de dhaoine le Gaeilge ann le seirbhísí Patrick Ó Déaghain í leith na teanga.
a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge sa nGaeltacht agus ar
fud na tíre. Ba mhaith linn ar mbuíochas a chur in iúl
do bhaill Choiste Gaeilge Fhianna Fáil faoi
Cur leis na deiseanna atá ag daoine óga Chathaoirleacht Lábhrás Ó Murchú don obair
tréimhse a chaitheamh sa Ghaeltacht. mhór atá déanta acu le blianta beaga anuas ag
cur na teanga chun cinn i bPáirtí Fhianna Fáil.
Cur go láidir le fás na Gaelscoláiochta agus
Gaelcholáistí ag an gcéad agus dara leibhéal Tá Fianna Fáil ag iarraidh bhur dtuairimí
oideachais agus freastal ar an éileamh atá ann maidir le polasaí Gaeilge an pháirtí. Cuir
ón bpobal do Ghaeloideachas. aon tuairimí ata agat chuig eamon.ocuiv@
oireachtas.ie led bhur dtoil.
Múineadh na Gaeilge a fheabhsú sa gcóras
oideachais i gcoitinne. Éamon Ó Cuív TD agus Aindreas Ó
Muimhneacháin TD
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 17Your Team in Leinster House
Dáil Éireann
Bobby Aylward TD Junior Spokesperson on Farming & Skills
Carlow-Kilkenny
Tel: 056 7764726
Email: Bobby.Aylward@oireachtas.ie
Office: Knockmoylan, Mullinavat, Co.Kilkenny
John Brassil TD Junior Spokesperson on Primary Care &
Kerry Community Health Services
Tel: 066-712 9565
Email: John.Brassil@oireachtas.ie
Office: Main Street, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry
Declan Junior Spokesperson on North-South Bodies &
Breathnach TD Cross-Border Co-Operation
Louth
Tel: 042 93 52446
Email: Declan.Breathnach@oireachtas.ie
Office: Knockbridge, Dundalk, Co Louth
James Browne TD Spokesperson on Mental Health
Wexford
Tel: 053 9235046
Email: James.Browne@oireachtas.ie
Office: Lower Church St, Enniscorthy, Co.Wexford
Mary Butler TD Junior Spokesperson on Older People &
Waterford Public Health Promotion
Chair of the Enterprise Committee
Tel: 051 852532
Email: mary.butler@oireachtas.ie
Thomas Byrne TD Spokesperson on Education and Skills
Meath East
Tel: 01 618 3310
Email: Thomas.Byrne@oireachtas.ie
Office: Turnpike House, Bridge Street, Ashbourne, Co Meath
www.fiannafail.ieYour Team in Leinster House
Jackie Cahill TD Junior Spokesperson on Food & Horticulture
Tipperary
Tel: 0504 24632
Email: Jackie.Cahill@tipperarycoco.ie
Office: 8-9 Parnell Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Dara Calleary TD Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform
Mayo
Tel: 096 77613
Email: Dara.Calleary@oireachtas.ie
Office: 19 Pearse Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Pat Casey TD Junior Spokesperson on Urban Renewal & Housing
Wicklow
Tel: 0402 42105
Email: Pat.Casey@oireachtas.ie
Shane Cassells TD Junior Spokesperson on Local Government
Meath West
Tel: 046 948 7599
Email: Shane.Cassells@oireachtas.ie
Office: Newman’s Mill, Athboy, Co. Meath
Jack Chambers TD Junior Spokesperson on Community &
Dublin West National Drugs Strategy
Tel: 01 6183784
Email: Jack.chambers@oireachtas.ie
Office: Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre
Lisa Chambers TD Spokesperson on Defence
Mayo
Tel: 094 92 50577
Email: Lisa.Chambers@oireachtas.ie
Office: 12 Lucan St., Castlebar, Co. Mayo
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 19Your Team in Leinster House
Niall Collins TD Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation
Limerick County
Tel: 061 300149
Email: Niall.Collins@oireachtas.ie
Office: Red House Hill, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick
Barry Cowen TD Spokesperson on Housing, Planning & Local Government
Offaly
Tel: 057 9321976
Email: Barry.Cowen@oireachtas.ie
Office: Patrick Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
John Curran TD Chair of the Social Protection Committee
Dublin Midwest
Tel: 01 618 3792
Email: John.Curran@oireachtas.ie
Stephen Spokesperson on Brexit
Donnelly TD
Wicklow Tel: (01) 201 7300
Email: Stephen.Donnelly@oireachtas.ie
Office: Carriage House, Church Road, Greystones.
Timmy Dooley TD Spokesperson on Communications, Environment &
Clare Natural Resources
Tel: (01) 6183514
Email: Timmy.Dooley@oireachtas.ie
Office: 8 Mill Road, Ennis, Co. Clare
Sean Fleming TD Chair of the Public Accounts Committee
Laois-Offaly
Tel: 057 873 2692
Email: Sean.Fleming@oireachtas.ie
Office: Silveracre, Castletown, Portlaoise, Co Laois
www.fiannafail.ieYour Team in Leinster House
Pat The Cope Junior Spokesperson on Marine & Fisheries
Gallagher TD
Donegal Tel: 016184038
Email: Patthecope.Gallagher@oireachtas.ie
Sean Haughey TD Junior Spokesperson on European Affairs &
Dublin Bay North EU Single Market
Tel: 01 6183695
Email: Sean.Haughey@oireachtas.ie
Billy Kelleher TD Spokesperson on Health
Cork North
Central Tel: 021-4502289
Email: Billy.Kelleher@oireachtas.ie
Office: 28a Ballyhooley Road, Dillon’s Cross, Cork
John Lahart TD Deputy Chief Whip and Spokesperson on Dublin
Dublin South West
Tel: 01 61833712
Email: John.Lahart@oireachtas.ie
James Lawless TD Junior Spokesperson on Science, Technology,
Kildare North Research and Development
Tel: 045 898 476
Email: James.Lawless@oireachtas.ie
Office: Wolfe Tone Street, Naas, Co Kildare
Marc MacSharry TD Committee of Public Accounts
Sligo–Leitrim
Tel: 071 9143616
Email: Marc.Macsharry@oireachtas.ie
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 21Your Team in Leinster House
Micheál Martin TD Leader & Spokesperson on Northern Ireland
Cork South
Central Tel: 021-432 0088
Email: Micheal.Martin@oireachtas.ie
Office: 137 Evergreen Road, Turner’s Cross, Cork
Charlie Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food & the Marine
McConalogue TD
Donegal Tel: 0749373131
Email: Charlie.Mcconalogue@oireachtas.ie
Office: Chapel Street, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal
Michael Spokesperson on Finance
McGrath TD
Cork South Tel: 021-4376699
Central Email: Michael.Mcgrath@oireachtas.ie
Office: Main Street, Carrigaline, Co Cork
John Chair of the Finance, Public Expenditure
McGuinness TD and Reform, & Taoiseach Committee
Carlow–Kilkenny
Tel: 056 7770672
Email: John.Mcguinness@oireachtas.ie
Office: O’Loughlin Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Aindrias Junior Spokesperson on Gaeltacht & Natural Resources
Moynihan TD
Cork North West Tel: 021 482 6644
Email: Aindrias.Moynihan@oireachtas.ie
Office: St Martins Place, West End, Main Street,
Ballincollig, Co Cork
Michael Fianna Fáil Whip
Moynihan TD
Cork North West Tel: 029-51299
Email: Michael.Moynihan@oireachtas.ie
Office: Percival Street, Kanturk, Co Cork
www.fiannafail.ieYour Team in Leinster House
Eugene Junior Spokesperson on Office of
Murphy TD Public Works & Flood Relief
Roscommon–
Galway Tel: 071 963 3000
Email: Eugene.Murphy@oireachtas.ie
Office: Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon
Margaret Murphy Spokesperson on Disability
O’Mahony TD
Cork South West Tel: 023-8841179
Email: margaret.murphyomahony@oireachtas.ie
Darragh O’Brien TD Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Trade
Fingal
Tel: 01 6183802
Email: Darragh.Obrien@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Jim O’Callaghan TD Spokesperson on Justice and Equality
Dublin Bay South
Tel: 01 475 89 43
Email: Jim.Ocallaghan@oireachtas.ie
Office: 37 South Richmond Street, Portobello, Dublin 2
Eamon Ó’Cuív TD Spokesperson on Regional Development,
Galway West Rural Affairs & the Gaeltacht
Tel: 091 562846
Email: Eamon.Ocuiv@oireachtas.ie
Office: Kirwan House, Flood Street, Galway City
Willie O’Dea TD Spokesperson on Social Protection
Limerick City
Tel: 061-454488
Email: Willie.Odea@oireachtas.ie
Office: 2 Glenview Gardens, Farranshone, Limerick
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 23Your Team in Leinster House
Kevin O’Keeffe TD Junior Spokesperson on Sport
Cork East
Tel: 022-25320
Email: Kevin.Okeeffe@oireachtas.ie
Office: Ballylough, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork
Fiona O’Loughlin TD Junior Spokesperson on Equality, Immigration & Integration
Kildare South Chair of the Education & Skills Committee
Tel: 045 436792
Email: Fiona.Oloughlin@oireachtas.ie
Office: Cappanargid 63, The Great Southern, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Frank O’Rourke TD Junior Spokesperson on Financial Services,
Kildare North eGovernment & Procurement
Tel: 01 6183109
Email: Frank.Orourke@oireachtas.ie
Office: Main St., Celbridge, Co Kildare
Anne Rabbitte TD Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs
Galway East
Tel: 01 618 3901
Email: Anne.Rabbitte@oireachtas.ie
Eamon Scanlon TD Junior Spokesperson on Employment & Small Business
Sligo–Leitrim
Tel: 071-9197903
Email: Eamon.Scanlon@oireachtas.ie
Office: The Rock, Ballymote, Co.Sligo
Brendan Smith Chairman of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party
Cavan–Monaghan Chair of Foreign Affairs, Trade & Defence Committee
Tel: +353494362366
Email: Brendan.Smith@oireachtas.ie
Office: 3 Carrickfern, Cavan
www.fiannafail.ieYour Team in Leinster House
Niamh Smyth Spokesperson on Arts and Heritage
Cavan–
Monaghan Tel: 042 966 66 66
Email: Niamh.Smyth@oireachtas.ie
Office: Adelaide Row, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan
Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism & Sport
Robert Troy TD
Longford– Tel: +353 44 933 4857
Westmeath Email: Robert.Troy@oireachtas.ie
Office: The Manse, Castle Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath
*Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD was elected in Kildare South and
subsequently elected Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann.
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 25Your Team in Leinster House
Seanad Éireann
Senator Seanad Group Leader &
Catherine Spokesperson on Social Protection
Ardagh
Tel: (01) 6183039
Email: Catherine.Ardagh@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Seanad Deputy Group Leader & Spokesperson
Mark Daly for Foreign Affairs, Irish Overseas and the Diaspora
Tel: (01) 618 3830
Email: Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and Marine
Paul Daly
Tel: (01) 6183965
Email: Paul.Daly@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Spokesperson on Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation
Aidan Davitt
Tel: (01) 6183519
Email: Aidan.Davitt@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Spokesperson on Education
Robbie
Gallagher Tel: 047 75050
Email: Robbie.Gallagher@oireachtas.ie
Office: 18 Glaslough St., Monaghan.
Senator Spokesperson on Finance
Gerry Horkan
Tel: (01) 6183846
Email: Gerry.Horkan@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
www.fiannafail.ieYour Team in Leinster House
Senator Lorraine Spokesperson on Justice, Children and Youth Affairs
Clifford-Lee
Tel: (01) 6183747
Email: Lorraine.Cliffordlee@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Spokesperson on Communications,
Terry Leyden Climate Change & Natural Resources
Tel: 01 618 3853
Email: Terry.Leyden@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Jennifer Spokesperson on Housing, Planning
Murnane O’Connor & Local Government
Tel: 01 6183307
Email: Jennifer.Murnaneoconnor@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Denis Cathaoirleach/ Chairman of Seanad Éireann
O’Donovan
Cathaoirleach / Chairman of Seanad Éireann
Senator Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism & Sport
Ned O’Sullivan
Tel: 01-6183730
Email: Ned.OSullivan@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Doctor Spokesperson on Health and Mental Health
Keith Swanwick
Tel: (01) 6183736
Email: Keith.Swanick@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Senator Group Whip & Spokesperson on Public Expenditure & Defence
Diarmuid Wilson
Tel: 01-6183561
Email: Diarmuid.Wilson@oireachtas.ie
Office: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 27MEP
Brian Crowley MEP for Ireland South
Ireland South Tel: 021 4896 433
Email: Brian.Crowley@europarl.europa.eu
Office: Maryborough Lodge, Maryborough Hill,
Douglas, Co. Cork
Party Trustees
Micheál Martin TD
Chris Flood
Rich Howlin
www.fiannafail.ieCurrent Ard Chomhairle
Current Ard Chomhairle
Uachtarán Michael Smyth Ciaran O’Loughlin
Micheál Martin TD John Kirwan Chris Wall
Alan Bracken Bridget Manton
Vice Presidents Gerard Fogarty Deirdre Doherty Ryan
Kathryn Byrne Cllr Gearóid Murphy Noel Ahern
Timmy Dooley, TD Tony Kelly
Arthur Griffin Jnr Female PP Rep Mary McKenna
Éamon Ó Cuív TD Mary Butler TD Niall McEneaney
Fiona O’Loughlin TD Donal Foley
Dublin Euro Councillor Rep Luke Martin
Honorary Secretaries Cllr Ed O’Brien Eamonn Gilligan
Dara Calleary TD Mary Corbett
Margaret Conlon Midlands North West Fionnán Fitzgerald
Constituency Rep Gearoid Lohan
Honorary Treasurers Cllr Frankie Keena Gerry Bridget
Niall Collins TD Tom Holden
Mary Devine O’Callaghan South Euro Constituency Rep David Ryan
Cllr Niall Kelleher Cllr Sinead Guckian
Committee of 15 Jimmy Flannery
Northern Ireland Ógra Representatives Michael Lane
Briege MacOscar James Doyle Joe Murphy
Niamh Traynor Leonard Ryan
Committee of 15 Dion Davis Michael Thompson
Female Panel Peter Caulfield Rory McEvoy
Róisín Bradley Joanne Keating Cllr Tony McCormack
Mary Byrne Larry Brennan
Cllr Jennifer Cuffe Constituency Delegates Gerry O’Connor
Cllr Kate Feeney Hugh Conaghan Frank Begley
Brig Ryan Cllr Clifford Kelly Seánaí Kiely
Aideen Ginnell Gerry Reidy Cllr Bill Collentine
Madeleine Thornton Cllr Frank O’Flynn Lorcan Allen
Kevin Fitzgerald James Doyle
Committee of 15 Tom McCarthy
Male Panel Dermot Walsh Honorary Life Members
Garrett Greene Deirdre Kelly David Andrews
Eoin Muldoon Shane Coughlan Gerard Collins
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 29Honorary Secretaries’ Report
Dara Calleary TD Margaret Conlon
Bhailiumuid i lár mBaile Atha Cliath don an advance for any omissions.
78ú Ard Fheis. As a Party, we have achieved
immense progress since our last formal Ard-
76ú Ard Fheis
Fheis in 2015. We had a very solid performance
in Election 2016, gaining an additional 25 seats The Árd Fheis of 2015 held in Dublin was a
and laying the foundations for further gains at hugely successful occasion with over 3,000
the next election. people in attendance, excellent debates on
issues such as water charges, finance, local
When others ran from the responsibilities government and enterprise. It saw heavily
presented by the results of Election 2016, contested elections to the reformed Árd
Fianna Fáil faced up to them. On three Chomhairle and laid a solid platform for the
occasions after the election, Micheál Martin election period that followed.
TD was proposed as Taoiseach. However,
we could not get sufficient support from
Carlow Kilkenny By-Election 2015
Independents and other parties. Rather
than force another election, we faced up to We had a wonderful bye-election result in
the responsibility given to us and signed a Carlow-Kilkenny with the re-election of Bobby
Confidence & Supply Agreement with Fine Aylward. There was a mammoth effort put
Gael to facilitate the election of a government. in by the local organisation and by party
Through that agreement, this government members from across the country. We thank
has implemented fairer policies than its Director of Elections, Barry Cowen TD, Bobby
predecessor, while we still hold Fine Gael and and his family and the entire Carlow-Kilkenny
the Independents to account for their failures Organisation for their work.
in Housing, Health, Regional Development,
and Education and in so many other areas.
Marriage Equality Referendum
As we are constrained by space here, we may We fought an active and vibrant campaign
unwittingly omit some activities over the for a YES vote in the Marriage Equality
period since we last gathered. We apologise in Referendum. We organised an extensive
www.fiannafail.ieHonorary Secretaries’ Report
canvass, a series of public meetings across the each and every member and supporter of the
country and assisted other organisations. We party who canvassed or assisted the campaign
thank Director of Elections, Niall Collins TD, in any way.
for his commitment to the campaign.
1916 Commemorations &
Coiste 1926
General Election, February 26th
Coiste 1916 led by Éamon Ó Cuív TD oversaw
2016 – An Ireland for All
a series of excellent commemorative events
2015 and early 2016 was dominated by across the Island which captured the spirit of
General Election preparations. Candidate 1916. Local Commemorations were also held in
selection continued and candidates were each constituency. The Coiste 1916 will oversee
actively campaigning in their communities. all the Party commemorations between
Our manifesto was completed. When the now and 2026 and we thank them for their
election was called in February 2016, we had commitment.
a substantial volume of campaigning work
completed owing to the commitment and
dedication of our organisation. “An Ireland for
Ógra Fianna Fáil
All” was the policy theme of our campaign. Under the presidencies of Eoin Neylon
Our manifesto highlighted the challenges and James Doyle, Ógra grew from strength
facing our country and proposed a range of to strength over the past 2 years. They
solutions. Our leader, Micheál Martin TD, led are expanding across the country and we
a vigorous and active campaign with results encourage all attending this Ard Fheis to visit
that exceeded most expectations. Our first their stand and learn how you can help them
preference vote increased by to over 24.5%, we in your community.
achieved 44 seats; including 21 first time TDs.
Fianna Fáil Women’s Network
We also achieved a strong result in the Seanad
election and we thank all who contested. The Fianna Fáil women’s Network has been
Our Seanad team, led by Senator Catherine reactivated in line with the recommendations
Ardagh, continues to work hard and to use the of the Markievicz Commission and has had
powers of Seanad Éireann effectively. an excellent series of events under the chair
of Niamh Smyth TD. Election 2016 was a
In 2017, Stephen Donnelly TD joined our Party, particularly notable one as we returned 6
increasing our Dáil team to 45. women TDs and 3 Senators. The Network
is committed to working to increase that
We thank all the candidates who contested level of representation at the next general
the last General Election campaign, their local election and also at the 2019 Local & European
organisations and their families. We thank elections.
our staff at Election HQ, our Directors of
Organisation and Elections across the country,
the National Constituencies Committee and
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 31Honorary Secretaries’ Report
Honorary Secretaries’ Report Contd.
have moved on to pursue other opportunities.
Councillors’ Forum
We thank them for their service. We
The Councillors’ Forum continues to remember Keelin Cooney and Kathleen
proactively represent the voice of Councillors Redmond who passed on to their eternal
across the country working with the reward.
frontbench and with our spokesperson on
local government, Shane Cassells TD. Fintan
Phelan has taken on the role of full time
Omos
Councillor Liaison Officer at HQ and this will Our Fianna Fáil family bade farewell to
considerably enhance the effectiveness of the many stalwarts since 2015. We extend our
forum. deepest sympathies to the families of all Party
members who passed away and we thank
them for supporting their loved ones in the
Leader’s Activities service of our Party. Ar dheis de go raibh
Our leader Micheál Martin TD has continued h-anam.
to give an outstanding commitment to the
job and to the party. He has continued his We think in particular of our former TDs Seán
strong Dáil performances, media appearances Ardagh, Eddie Filgate, Paddy Lalor, Bobby
and his passion for a fairer Ireland. We thank Molloy & Tom Fitzpatrick and former Senators
him, his wife Mary and their family for his Des Hanafin, Tony Bromell & PJ Mara, Sitting
commitment and dedication to the job. Councillors Joe Crowley, Dan Joe Fitzgerald,
Fergus Kehoe, Seán McEniff and serving
AC Representatives Frank Corcoran & Dan
Fianna Fáil Administration O’Connell.
Our staff at Party HQ in Mount Street and at
Leinster House continue to serve the party
Conclusion
selflessly.
We gather this weekend proud of the
Buiochas le Seán Dorgan and all the staff at achievements of the past two and a half years,
both locations and across the country for their but conscious that we have much work to do.
work. Ireland needs a government that will place
fairness & compassion at the heart of its work.
We wish to particularly acknowledge former It needs Fianna Fáil in government nationally
Party staff members Russell Bryce, Martin and locally. Let’s all re-dedicate ourselves to
Flanagan, Margaret Kenny, Jackie Lally, Adam that task.
Ledwith, Donal Kitt & David McManus who
Dara Calleary Margaret Conlon
www.fiannafail.ieMedia Engagement
The All New FIANNA FÁIL
T H E R E P U B L I CA N PA R T Y
SuperDraw2017
Something Here
Includes new monthly Highest ever
€1,000 Bonus Draw Constituency Rebate
How It Every ticket costs €50 and a book of 12 is €500, giving 2 bonus tickets. Each CDC has a
target number of tickets to sell. Tickets can be purchased by cash, credit/ debit card or
Works cheque. Alternatively, you can spread the cost of a ticket over the year by signing up to
our direct debit option. Tickets can be purchased individually or by syndicates.
Rebates To There are signifcant rebates on offer to your CDC which will help campaigns locally.
The current rebate structure sees between 30% – 50% of all monies raised returned to
Your CDC the CDC.
National On December 20th we will have our main prize Draw. The top prize is a new 181 VW
Golf or €20,000. Second and third prizes are €10,000 and €5,000 respectively. There are
Prizes a further 17 prizes announced on the night varying from €1,000 fight vouchers to
luxury weekends away. Please note that the cash equivalent is available on all prizes.
Top prize is worth €20,000.
All New This year, for the frst time in addition to the main prize Draw in December, all
purchasers will be entered into a monthly Draw for €1,000. We will have one winner a
Monthly month for 10 months from February to November inclusive.
Prizes
For more information contact Annie Keegan in Fianna Fáil Headquarters on 01-676-1551 or annie@fiannafail.ie
78ú Ard-Fheis Clár 33Media Engagement
Media Fighting The
Engagement Party’s Corner
Members regularly express concern about anti-FF bias in the media and co-ordinated campaigns
against us on social media. All of our members can play a role in helping to bring balance to these
discussions. Whether it’s in a debate on Facebook and Twitter or biased commentary on RTÉ or
TV3, each one of us has the power to be heard and to fight the party’s corner.
Don’t Surrender Social Media
Social media is the primary source of news and current affairs for growing numbers of people across
the country. As we have seen in elections in other countries, the capacity to influence voters with
fake news and commentary on social media is significant and as a party we must fight hard to coun-
ter any such effort in this country.
We encourage members to share and like material from the party’s official Facebook and Twitter
accounts, but also to get involved in the debate that takes place on these sites. We are regularly the
subject of co-ordinated campaigns against us, and while the party centrally works to counter this, it
is no substitute for the efforts of our grassroots organisation. If you see untrue and unfair attacks
against us on social media, call it out and engage directly with those making the claims.
Social media is also a good way to interact with national and local media broadcast programmes - if
you see or hear bias or feel that the FF point of view is going unheard, tell them! Some useful details
are included below.
Dear Editor... Make A Complaint
Even with the growing role of social media, Each of the broadcasters have an obligation
there is still great value in a well argued letter to treat issues fairly and not to let a present-
to the editor of our national and local news- er’s personal opinion colour their treatment
papers. Some relevant contact details are in- of a subject. If you feel they don’t live up to
cluded below. this obligation, you should make a formal
complaint. Detailed information on how
to make a complaint concerning broadcast
fb.com/fiannafail/ content can be found at www.fiannafail.ie/
broadcasterdetails
@fiannafailparty
www.fiannafail.ieYou can also read
