This weekend Fianna Fáil’s youth organisation began a process of radical change and reorganisation. Among the changes was the election of the first Uachtarán Ógra Fhianna Fáil from within the organisation.
Taking up the position Eamon Quinlan from Waterford Ógra commented, ‘I want this movement to become a bold, progressive and leading voice in the renewal of the Fianna Fáil party. I will be working with all our members, utilising talent at all levels to develop new a new policy and campaign platform. Since Micheál Martin took up the leadership of the senior party, he has made it clear that he wants Ógra to play a more significant role. I am determined to ensure that we live up to that challenge.’
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin took part in a 90-minute ‘town hall’ style meeting on Friday evening, attended all policy sessions and addressed delegates on Saturday evening. Speaking on the issue of party renewal Deputy Martin said: “This must a party where every member is valued and can make their own distinct contribution to what Fianna Fáil stands for and what we deliver for the Irish people. To succeed, we need every single member to play their part. The days of a Parliamentary Party attempting to decide everything in isolation from the membership are over for good.
“This is a party that is going to listen and be informed by what our members think and what they are hearing on the ground. Constituencies across the country are currently holding meetings on a series of radical reform proposals for our organisation. I want Donegal to play a full part in this process. This process will culminate in a transformative Ard Fheis in February. No one should doubt the commitment of the members of this party and no one should be foolish enough to write us off. To borrow Mark Twain’s phrase, rumours of our demise are much exaggerated.”
On policy matters Ógra delegates voted to support a motion opposing any further reductions to the student grants scheme and also any further increase in the college registration fee for students; mandated Ógra to run a national educational campaign to train people to recognise the danger signs of suicide; and fully supported the key recommendations of the Fianna Fáil commissioned Food Harvest 2020 report which will lead to the creation of many new jobs opportunities.
Other motions put before the National Youth Conference and supported by delegates called for improved cash flow for Irish businesses by reducing local authority charges, reviewing labour age agreements, reducing the administrative burden on small businesses and adjusting the tax system.
Over 400 people attended conference at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel, Cork. Tributes were paid at the conference to Senator Thomas Byrne, outgoing Cathaoirleach Ógra Fhianna Fáil and Joe O’Neil, outgoing Leas Cathaoirleach. Joe has served as Leas Cathaoirleach for the past two terms. Joe joined Ógra in Cumann De Barra in NUIG, September 2006 and served in man positions and on three youth committees before being elected Leas Cathaoirleach in November 2009.
Newly elected Central Officer Board:
Uachtarán – Eamon Quinlan (Waterford Ógra)
National Policy & Campaigns Director – Ger Fogarty (Tipperary North)
National Events Director – Ciarán Fitzgerald (Meath East)
National Membership & Recruitment Director – Eoin Scully (Laois)
Third Level Organiser – Brendan Finucane (University College Cork)
Dublin Organiser – Paul Anthony Ward (Dublin Central)
Connacht-Ulster Organiser – Gemma McGrory (Donegal North East)
Leinster Organiser – Pat McKee (Kilkenny)
Munster Organiser – Kevin Nelligan (Kerry North)
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