Young Fine Gael Establish Northern Irish Branch

Rory Hughes

Forty-two years after its initial establishment by Garret FitzGerald, Young Fine Gael took its first foray into Northern Irish politics - the same day as the SDLP host a special conference to consider their proposed merger with Fianna Fail.

The event was attended by noted Fine Gael representatives Helen McEntee TD and former TD John Perry, as well as Senator Frank Feighan and Attorney General Séamus Woulfe. The day’s proceedings were kicked off by Young Fine Gael President Killian Foley-Walsh, who outlined the necessity of YFG’s northern movements. “There has been no assembly for, by my count, 754 days. Half of the MPs refuse to take their seats, or contribute to the greatest debate in contemporary politics”. Foley-Walsh criticised politicians who are letting down Nationalists by being a “party of absentees, who wrap themselves in the tri-colour with one hand, and take the Queen’s shilling with the other”.

Jude Perry, the Chairperson of this new YFG branch, offered a more upbeat tone. “The establishment of our branch marks a significant step forward in North-South relations, and indeed with our friends across the water”. Perry went on to state that the true success of the association depended upon “the foundations we are setting down today”.

Helen McEntee TD, the Minister for European Affairs, spoke of the “vacuum” in Northern Irish politics, “which needs to be filled” She did not specify who could seize this space, but did praise the ethos of YFG to “challenge the status quo”.

When asked about a potential border poll, referred to in the conference as the ‘United Ireland Referendum’, McEntee cast doubt over its necessity. “Further progressions in social and economic difficulties would be more beneficial. It is not ideal to debate this now – but I think it will be decided in my life time”.

Alasdair McDonnell, the former leader of the SDLP, categorised the idea as a “disaster”. “It is a poke in the eye - we should not do things just to annoy the other side. I would like someone to sit down and start a discussion about what a united Ireland would look like – not on an emotional basis, but in a manner focused on the concern of the people”.

Stay tuned to @QRTheScoop across all platforms for more on Young Fine Gael and much more across Northern Ireland.