Regina Doherty, MEP

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, today (Thursday), said that populist proposals to increase tax on high income earners do not make economic sense given Ireland's fair and progressive system of taxation.

The Director of Elections for the Fine Gael Marriage Equality Campaign, Minister Simon Coveney TD, has welcomed this morning’s (Wednesday) clarification from the Chair of the Referendum Commission Justice Kevin Cross that the upcoming referendum is not about surrogacy, adoption or a right to parenthood.

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has warmly welcomed the approval of €50,000 in funding for Athlone Foróige for the provision of multipurpose rooms, the renovation of back stage areas and the upgrade of windows at its centre in Athlone. Athlone Foróige is among 16 youth projects to be allocated monies today by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD, to fund small capital works.

“NRA charges are a heavy toll for commuters”, says Fine Gael Senator for Dublin West, Catherine Noone.

Fine Gael Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has slammed Sinn Féin MEPs for their opposition to an EU – US trade deal in the European Parliament saying it shows the party has a complete lack of understanding of job creation, international trade and how to manage an economy.

The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, has congratulated Mr David Cameron MP on his re-election as British Prime Minister.

I am pleased to support this very important legislation. As the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, said in her opening remarks, we already have a body of anti-terrorist legislation but the last major legislation was almost ten years ago and, since then, the geopolitical landscape has changed utterly. We have seen the inexorable growth of terrorism striking right into the heart of Europe, most recently in Paris, and also in Yemen, Tunisia and Nigeria.

Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington, has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, that a special payment is being introduced for island farmers.

“There is huge potential for job creation at the former Braun site as it can be developed now that it has been sold”, says Fine Gael Carlow TD, Pat Deering.