Fine Gael for the Future: re-emerging safely and successfully from the pandemic

The 80^th Fine Gael Ard Fheis, entitled ‘Fine Gael for the Future’ is focused on ensuring Ireland emerges safely and successfully from the worldwide pandemic, while embracing the changes we have made to our lives.

Fine Gael will open the party’s Ard Fheis this evening at 7.30pm and meet with members nationwide in an online format throughout the week up until Saturday evening. The Ard Fheis was postponed last year due to the pandemic and is being held online for the first time ever.

Fine Gael is looking to the future. Having worked hard to safeguard our country and people since Covid-19 emerged on these shores in Spring 2020, Fine Gael is seeking to navigate a path for all to re-emerge safely and successfully from the pandemic. We want to get the country back on its feet, while embracing the changes we have made to our lives in terms of how we live and work.

This conference seeks to set out that future and the sessions each day reflect that.

Tonight, following the opening address by Party Leader, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, we will discuss ‘Our Future Together, North and South’ across the island, featuring Deputy Party Leader, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney. After that, ‘The Future of Agriculture – the opportunities and challenges of CAP and Climate’ are up for debate.

Tackling youth unemployment and working for equality will be the focus tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.

On Thursday, ‘Post-Covid: The future of remote working and the opportunity for more balanced regional development’ will take centre stage.

‘Reopening with confidence – the future for workers and business’ will be Friday’s focus.

On Saturday, sessions will include: ‘Housing – Homes in the Future’; ‘A fairer Ireland – Caring for All’; ‘Justice and Equality’; and ‘Learning from the Lessons of Covid-19’.

The event will conclude with a keynote address by our Party Leader, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, at 5pm on Saturday.

Ahead of the opening event this evening, Fine Gael Leader An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “I am pleased that we are able to hold an online Ard Fheis this year to engage with our grassroot members.

“The pandemic halted and changed so much of our lives. Fine Gael was there to safeguard our country when Covid arrived last year.

“Our focus is firmly on charting a path for everyone to re-emerge safely and successfully from the pandemic. We want to get the country back on its feet, while embracing some of the positive changes we have made to our lives in terms of how we live and work.

“The theme for this conference is Ireland’s future, an opportunity for us to discuss the Ireland that we – the Fine Gael team – want to build after the pandemic is over. I think it is fitting that we will start our programme with a discussion on Northern Ireland and our future together, followed by a discussion on agriculture.

“Getting everyone back to work in a safe manner and reopening this country for business, investment and tourism are high on the agenda. We must also ensure that challenges such as housing and health are met head on.

“These and many more issues will be debated by party members over the coming days. I look forward to hearing their input and ensuring that Fine Gael continues to set the agenda in Irish politics.

“We have a lot of work to do. Fine Gael has a strong team, a proven track record and will not be found wanting,” the Fine Gael leader said.

All bar Saturday’s proceedings, are evening events. Sessions can be viewed, by those not registered to attend, on Fine Gael’s social media channels including Facebook and youtube.