The voice of the members Cuisle Edition 01 – Winter 2011

YOUR PARTY NEEDS

The voice of the members – Cuisle Credits Contents The voice of ARE YOU NOW, OR HAVE Editorial Committee: Damien Blake, 4 Lessons From Lemass the members Maria Brosnan, Jane Dignam, Jimmy Cuisle 6 The Dublin West Bye Election YOU EVER BEEN, A Healy and James Lawless. Hello & welcome to Cuisle, the new 7 The Candidate Template Editor: Jimmy Healy magazine for Fianna Fáil members. 8 Encouraging More Women Into MEMBER OF FIANNA FÁIL, Graphic Design: Darragh Kelly Fianna Fáil This publication will be different. It is not the magazine of [email protected] 9 Reorganisation In Party HQ the parliamentary party. It is not the magazine of Fianna THE REPUBLICAN PARTY? www.clickandrush.com Fáil Headquarters. It is your magazine - “The voice of the 10 Crisis / Opportunity Cartoons by: Grant O’Hara. members”. 11 Using Our Resources don’t know about you, but Printing by: Boylan Print 24th October last entitled “Don’t repeat old 12 One Member / One Vote t is you the members who • To keep members informed about what is recently I’ve been having mistakes when casting your vote” which Cuisle would like to thank the following will drive the content of this going on in the party and the issues facing contained perhaps the nastiest cut of the lot 13 Ar An Bhfód us. nightmares – they’re all roughly “... We have to remind ourselves that we gave for helping make this issue possible: publication. Our aim is to I power to Fianna Fáil under Bertie Ahern, three 14 Reform At The Top • To help stimulate debate about the future the same, a knock on the door I Micheál Martin TD, Dr. Bryce Evans, provide a platform for members at three o’clock in the morning, times in succession, making sure to be sure of the party and how we will be organised that he would wreck us... Any democracy 15 Michael FitzPatrick RIP from all over Ireland and abroad into the future. Gillian Hennessy of Collins Press, burly men in black coats and that can do that to itself needs its collective to express their views and help 16 Micheál Martin Q&A • To provide political information to our fedoras dragging me off to a dark political head examining for brain disease or Seán Dorgan, Pat McParland, Adam set the course for the future of members concerning Fianna Fáil and our room, where the Junior Senator brain tumours...” 18 Fianna Fáil & The North Ledwith, Elaine O’Meara, Anne Quinn, the Fianna Fáil party. opponents. for Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy, Accused of abuse, worthy of branding and 19 What Does FF Mean To Me? • To assist in driving the renewal process, shines a light in my eyes and likened to a brain tumour, nasty stuff isn’t it? Kim Murphy, Paul Sammon, Kevin Cuisle will give members the opportunity And especially upsetting for those committed 20 Forgotten Achievements to share their opinions on party matters, on encouraging our members to take an asks the ominous question “Are members who feel they continually have to Dillon, Aidan O’Gorman, David Burke, everything from the latest policy approach, to active role in the rebuilding of Fianna Fáil. apologise for their membership of the party 22 FF Archives In UCD the efforts to revamp the party. you now, or have you ever been, Darragh McShea, Kevin Judd, Russell • To help bridge some of the whether at work, at home or out socialising. communications gaps which exist within a member of the Fianna Fáil 24 The Big Debate As the party continues to adjust to the fallout Bryce, David Coleman, all the other the party. party?” 26 Cairde Fail Photos from the General Election in February, what Fianna Fáil staff, Padraig Slyne, Darren is becoming clear is that if the party is to be Before I can answer, to say ‘Yes’ obviously, The demonisation 29 Piling Off The Debt revived, the membership will be the driving All these objectives place the member as the I awake in a cold sweat. I don’t know what Lehane, Niamh O’Shea, Ashley Beston, force. We hope that Cuisle will play its part in central focus of our new publication. the cause of these nightmares is, maybe 30 Letters the renewal process that is underway. it’s eating biscuits before I go to bed or the of Fianna Fáil by Joe Byrne, Frank Brannigan, Donnacha So if you have a view on a particular Fianna fact that I watched the movie ‘Good Night 31 FF & The Media There are a lot of great ideas amongst Fáil related issue - tell us. If you disagree with Maguire, Gaibhin McGranaghan, Oonagh and Good Luck’ a couple of weeks ago but the membership on how we can move something published, let us know. If you’d certain elements of 32 Whatever Happened To The I’ve a sneaking suspicion that it may have Doyle, Kevin Doyle, Derek Mooney, forward however there are too few ways of like to submit an article or a letter, then get something to do with the fact that, at least 5-Point-Plan? communicating them. We want Cuisle to be in touch. This is your newsletter, so we need according to certain elements of the media, the commentariat is Seamus Helfarty in UCD, Mark Bates, one vehicle for bringing these ideas and other your content and ideas if it is to be a success. I’m the worst kind of criminal — a card issues to the attention of the approximately carrying member of the Fianna Fáil party. nothing new... Conor McGarry, Tim Ralph, David 50,000+ people who are registered members We hope that you will see from this issue, that of Fianna Fáil. Cuisle will help to generate we are not afraid to do things differently. We The demonisation of Fianna Fáil by certain Scallon of Custodian Consultancy as debate and keep members informed about are not afraid of publishing strong opinions elements of the commentariat is nothing new, I’m not saying that Fianna Fáil is perfect and activity within the party. and articles of interest. We will not shy away well as everyone else who contributed but what is new, is the frequency and virulent hasn’t made mistakes, no-one reading this from publishing articles that are critical of nature of the attacks not only against the party article would, and the very fact that Cuisle towards the publication of this magazine. We want this newsletter to be thought aspects of the party when the criticism can be as a whole but also the ordinary rank and file. exists, shows that steps are being taken by provoking and represent the issues that are justified. Two recent examples of this stuck in my mind. the ordinary membership to voice their views being talked about by members up and down on the past, present and future conditions of the country. In order for the Fianna Fáil party So why is it named Cuisle? Well, the direct The first was a piece entitled “Does it really the party. We might never be able to persuade to progress we must accept the challenges translation of Cuisle is pulse. The membership matter if Gallagher is a de facto FF candidate? people like the authors of those articles of facing us and recognise that it can only be by has always been the life blood of Fianna Fáil. Yes, it does” which was published in the Irish the value of our party and its membership but the hard work and dedication of our members This newsletter aims to take the pulse of the Examiner on the 19th of October last. Having through this process I have no doubt that if that the party can again reclaim a place at the membership on a regular basis. devoted half her article to attacking Sean we engage with people and hold our heads heart of Irish society. Gallagher over his Fianna Fáil links, the author high, we will be able to persuade the public as We hope you enjoy this newsletter and that then goes on to have a go at the ordinary a whole. Whilst we need to face up to the mistakes you will help make Cuisle a success by party member with such gems as “... after of the past, we cannot continue to allow our engaging with the ideas raised. All the articles all the abuse this country has suffered at the And that’s the one thing that people need detractors to define us by them. Fianna Fáil will be posted on the Fianna Fáil discussion hands of Fianna Fáil...” and “... I know this is to remember about McCarthyism whether has a proud history. We need to celebrate and forum if you would like to debate the points a predominantly Christian country but haven’t in the 1950s America or in the Ireland of retain the positive aspects of our party and mentioned. You can also contact us directly we turned the cheek one too many times 2011, its popularity fades when people are embrace this opportunity to redefine our core if you have any views. You can email us at when it comes to Fianna Fáil...” and “... I’m confronted with the truth – the only question values and principles. [email protected] or write to: Cuisle PO Box, not suggesting its party members should be is when they make a movie about modern c/o Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65/ 66 Lower permanently branded, or kept in 21st century Irish McCarthyism who’ll be played by George The objectives of this publication can be Mount Street, Dublin 2. leper colonies but, in the interests of self- Clooney! summarised as follows: preservation, can we at least keep them out of The Cuisle editorial committee - Damien Blake, high office for a generation...” Darren Lehane • To represent the various views of the Maria Brosnan, Jane Dignam, Jimmy Healy and Fianna Fáil membership. James Lawless This fantastic piece of prose was followed by an article in the Irish Independent on the Cover Illustration by Darragh Kelly Concept by Jane Dignam

2 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 3 Editorial HOW THE CHALLENGES THAT FACED LEMASS IN LESSONS FROM LEMASS REBUILDING THE PARTY ALSO APPLY TODAY

he task of rebuilding facing of Fianna Fáil cronyism by highlighting any bar and pipe’) approach remains a blueprint Fianna Fáil today resonates Lemass’s elimination whiff of political bias in the allocation of for the Fianna Fáil party today. Lemass’s with that faced by the party positions by Fine Gael. elimination of complacency and self-interest T within the party was also instrumental in when power was lost in 1948 and 1954. Back then the work was of complacency In 1957, of course, it was mission ensuring the party returned to power quickly. spearheaded by the inspirational accomplished once more as Fianna Fáil and self-interest returned to power. So what lessons are to be His emphasis on youth is surely relevant future Taoiseach Seán Lemass, a learnt from Lemass’s period of rebuilding and today: our current generation of young people historical colossus who requires reorganisation in opposition? is at a historic cross-roads and must be no lengthy introduction. within the party was elevated to key decision-making roles within On the one hand, the negative points are our political system more broadly. Neither can clear. Lemass’s way of doing things was more the lessons to be learnt from Lemass’s darker, But sitting back in a spirit of misty-eyed also instrumental in attuned to the leadership style of the day and, Machiavellian side be overlooked. Some of sentimentality and lauding Lemass’s as such, would today be regarded as unduly his criticisms of coalition government were achievements is of little practical use. Instead, top-down. In vetoing the selection of certain valid and resound today, not least the tactic there are concrete lessons - both positive and ensuring the party locally-elected candidates, Lemass drew of highlighting Labour’s impotence when negative - to be learnt from the way Lemass accusations of Dublin-centrism, sexism and shackled to Fine Gael. went about rebuilding the party after electoral ‘dictatorship’; increased surveillance was in defeat. returned to power some cases met with increased disaffection by a weary membership. Moreover, Lemass’s That very Fianna Fáil’s defeat in 1948 stunned Lemass. quickly. preoccupation with smearing his political At forty-eight years of age, and after sixteen In his eyes Fianna Secondly, Lemass concentrated on the rivals blinkered him to certain measures taken years of continuous Ministerial power, domestic tensions caused by such an by the coalition government that were in the engagement with the the new reality was hard to stomach. But, ideologically antagonistic coalition. He national interest. characteristically, he rolled up his sleeves and Fáil had been endlessly portrayed the Labour party, the He appointed an Organisation Committee party’s grassroots set about the task of reorganisation. smaller partner in government, as being composed of young men such as Charles On the other hand, that very engagement swallowed up in the jaws of Fine Gael and in Haughey, Brian Lenihan senior, and Jack with the party’s grassroots, that ‘chicken and With de Valera departing Ireland for a displaced by a dolly the process losing its radicalism. With Fine Lynch. He did not want Fianna Fáil candidates chips’ (or more aptly for Lemass, ‘chocolate remains a blueprint worldwide ‘anti-partition crusade’, Lemass Gael controlling the key finance portfolio, who had been taken ‘off the shelf’ or ‘out of was elected Vice-Chairman and Deputy Lemass repeatedly hit that same raw nerve: the attic’. Instead, he wanted a party ‘virile for the Fianna Fáil Leader of Fianna Fáil. Convinced that party mix of parties headed Labour’s impotence alongside its larger in personnel and spirit’, not composed of discipline was to blame for the defeat, he coalition partner. cobwebbed relics. turned the screw internally, announcing party today. that no motions could be tabled in the Dáil by an unholy alliance Lemass’s combination of tougher discipline In practical terms, then - as now - emigration without the consent of the party hierarchy. and shrewd political sniping seemed to have harmed this youthful thrust and, as Lemass Absenteeism from the chamber was no longer of right and left. worked with the return to power in 1951. confessed, getting young people involved tolerated. He swiftly established an internal Throughout the campaign, Lemass repeated was ‘very uphill work’. And yet he persevered Lastly, however, it is essential that Fianna Fáil ‘discipline committee’ and chaired a new his theme: ‘A Fine Gael government would doggedly. Members of Lemass’s team today acquaint itself properly with its icon, central steering committee. have been bad enough. A Labour Party attended local party meetings around the taking into account his weaknesses as well as To closely study Lemass’s rhetoric in government tolerable. A government that was country. Then they reported back to him his strengths, before letting him rest in peace Having streamlined the party structure, opposition between 1948 and 1951 is to be one thing one day and another the next has on the strengths and weaknesses of local and moving on. While many of his methods Lemass turned to the darker arts of political treated to a master-class in political mischief. produced only confusion and ineffectiveness.’ organisation. Lemass himself undertook can be usefully applied, contexts have shifted smear: an overlooked aspect of his success At its heart is the relentless emphasis on the marathon red-eyed drives to far-flung corners rapidly. In this regard, name-dropping Lemass in undermining and destabilising Ireland’s first left/right tension that always characterises However, three years later, Fianna Fáil once of Ireland. More familiar with dictating national is something the great man himself would coalition government. Labour/Fine Gael-led coalitions. again tasted defeat at the polls. Remarkably, economic policy, Lemass became embroiled have heartily disapproved of and should be Lemass reacted by appointing himself in maddeningly myopic local issues such as ditched as the party looks to the future. This, In his eyes, Fianna Fáil, the sole guarantors Lemass’s assault was twin-pronged. Firstly, he Director of Organisation. Thus began the most parish pumps, potholes, and pool tables. perhaps, is the greatest lesson from Lemass of Irish national resurgence, had been claimed, coalition rule was harming Ireland’s romantic episode in Lemass’s later career: he as the party rebuilds today. displaced by a dolly mix of parties headed global standing. With strange bedfellows resumed the hard slog of the 1920s; setting Centrally, Lemass established ‘Comh by an unholy alliance of right and left (Fine sharing power, the country was in a state out in his car to survey the position of Fianna Comhairle Atha Cliath’ in 1954, an elite new By Dr Bryce Evans, Lecturer in Modern History, Gael and Labour). In Dáil debates and, of ‘general paralysis’. Fianna Fáil may have Fáil around the country, armed for long branch concerned exclusively with higher Liverpool Hope University and author of the most significantly, through an anonymously made mistakes, but at least they did so in a journeys with his pipe, tobacco, and several matters of policy. Under his influence, the best-selling ‘Seán Lemass: Democratic Dictator’ authored column in The Irish Press forthright, forward-looking manner. With an chocolate bars. National Executive now scrutinised candidates newspaper, Lemass cleverly exploited uneasy situation in Europe and the world, much more closely. Neither did Lemass take disagreements between the two main coalition coalitions were simply ‘not designed for crisis In rebuilding the party from the grassroots, the heat off the coalition, continuing to bait parties. administration’. Lemass’s emphasis was now on youth. Labour in particular and combat accusations

4 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 5 THE THE DUBLIN WEST CANDIDATE BYE ELECTION TEMPLATE

There was enthusiasm for David McGuinness, eptember 2011. We might live in the and praise for his record of commitment and o harbour any aspirations Dublin West. The local participation in the local communities. There for party recovery, the shift organisation was still information age, but was great encouragement taken from the in public sentiment that Fianna Fáil supporters that we met, who are Sreeling from the death of Brian Toccurred from 2008 culminating really urging the party forward. Lenihan. Worse, they would Twitter and Facebook last February must be matched soon face a Bye Election. Given A woman at her door told me that she and her by a shift within Fianna Fáil. can’t replace the face family had always voted Fianna Fáil until the the horrific year the party had General Election of this year when they felt the That shift, in the form of the experienced there was little hope to face connection couldn’t, but she said that they would support renewal process, was evident that we would perform well. David in the Bye Election. This story was in the campaign and candidacy repeated at other doors with people wanting with people in their Fianna Fáil to rebuild, to represent them, and of David McGuinness over the That was the expectation going into the to provide a meaningful and constructive course of his campaign but also campaign. Everyone was writing off our own communities, opposition in the Dáil. in the three years previously since candidate, Cllr. David McGuinness. The pundits reckoned we had no hope. But they Understandably, we also met people who David first stood in 2009. were wrong. looking them in the were apathetic or resentful of politics but, once approached, most people were willing Dublin West was an example of how to do From the very off you could tell the mood eye and asking them to engage with us and consider the future things right in the new world. David was an had changed. Gone was the outrage that had direction of politics and the role Fianna Fáil example of a candidate hewn from a new Cllr. David McGuinness in his Dublin West consituency existed last February. Instead of having people for a vote. has to play. cloth, whose first election was in 2009, who is slam the doors in our faces or shouting more familiar with local community halls than of curiosity, warmth, engagement and most elected. All candidates in 2014 should be As an ordinary member of Fianna Fáil, going with Government Buildings and who is a part importantly open minds and open doors. on the ticket from at least a year out and on the canvass was a genuinely informative of the fabric of his constituency. should already be in the field and working experience for me. It was an opportunity to The anger of just six months before was in the trenches. David had a work rate as a articulate what Fianna Fáil represents, what simply not being directed at this new young community activist and as a recently elected the party has to offer, and what it is doing David’s strong contender. councillor. to respond to the current challenges in the country. The lessons from all this are clear. Fianna Fáil In the days when the party had a 40+% first showing has lifted has a future once it is prepared to change to preference vote, names could almost be Canvassing is a chance to talk to people, to a new generation of candidates, active in their pulled out of a hat to choose candidates with show them that the Fianna Fáil party wants the morale of the communities, busy on the ground, committed a still near certainty of getting elected. But the to engage with them and is interested in their to the best party traditions of public service. days of getting votes “for free” are long gone. ideas and opinions, not just their votes. These traits should be matched by the The real battles in those days were internal, organisation political ability to engage the voters and the getting on the ticket was the hard part, after I’d like to say thank you to all the people who media on the issues of the day in an open, that the work was done and it was seen as all opened their doors and gave us their time. David’s strong showing has lifted the morale honest and intelligent manner. downhill after selection convention. of the organisation nationally and has The results spoke for themselves. David confirmed to our detractors that reports Candidates must be capable and enthused Not so in 2009, not so in 2011 and it will secured 7,742 first preference votes, finishing of our demise have indeed been greatly and justify their selection. Candidates should not be so in 2014. We need candidates that second. Well clear of the Fine Gael candidate exaggerated. David and the team gathered not be chosen on the basis of preferment, are prepared to and are already putting in who trailed in fourth position. around him had energy, enthusiasm and, family ties, internal networking ability or past trojan work on the ground; in the party, in the perhaps most critically, no baggage to check glories. Candidates should be chosen who community and winning votes, inch by inch, This was a great result, completely in contrast in. Whilst David had been actively involved in can and will engage on the ground and who week by week from the first to the last votes. to the expectations of the pundits. It shows local politics and already built a strong profile can tell a new tale for Fianna Fáil. Old fashioned graft is crucial and even in that the public does want to hear from our from his council election and work on the this age of social media and nightly Vincent party. That a lot of people are prepared to ground before and after, he could shoulder Candidates demonstrating a genuine Browne; there remains no substitute for the Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD joins Cllr. David McGuinness at the reopening of the listen to us once more. none of the “blame” that many of the public commitment to public service will receive a doorsteps for meeting and engaging with the Dublin West constituency office in Castleknock. retain about the party’s previous actions in fair hearing from voters. Any perceptions of people one to one. expletives at us, there was a more gentle Twitter and Facebook can’t replace the And all this before Fine Gael and Labour bring government. being “in it for the wrong reasons” will not atmosphere on the doors. People were face-to-face connection with people in their in their first austerity budgets. be tolerated. (Perhaps the one upside of Graft, intelligence, honesty and a good listening. People were engaging. No longer own communities, looking them in the eye He is a solid worker on the ground, a historically low poll ratings is that very few backup team will help a new generation of were they sending us running from the doors and asking them for a vote. Participating in Ashley Beston committed local activist, and has a genuine today in FF could be accused of self interest). candidates begin the work of restoring Fianna the second we mentioned the words “Fianna the canvass was a rewarding and enjoyable connection with community groups, sports Fáil’s fortunes. All that as well as a raincoat Fáil”. experience, as we worked our way through clubs and real local networks all across the Another critical factor for any candidate and a good pair of shoes. the different communities that make up the constituency. Though still a relative newcomer selection process in future has to be work- We might live in the information age, but very large constituency of Dublin West. he had already proven his work rate and ability rate. Candidates appearing “only at election James Lawless and was received on the canvass with a mix time” will not get a hearing and will not get

6 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 7 REORGANISATION IN ENCOURAGING MORE WOMEN PARTY HEADQUARTERS INTO FIANNA FÁIL Following the disappointing performance by the party in February’s General Election there was a dramatic he disappointing result of retiring politicians or the party leadership, fail to comply, they will lose 50% of their state the recent General Election while some have a pre-existing strong local funding. The proposed legislation is due to downturn in the number of TDs and Senators serving the was compounded when profile due to sporting fame or community come into affect at the next General Election. involvement. These forms of advantage are party in Leinster House. T considered normal and are rarely questioned. We need to get ahead of the game in this no female TDs were returned for Fianna Fáil. The subsequent issue and reform Fianna Fáil to ensure that Ireland has been regularly criticised for the these targets are surpassed not in order to election of Mary White and low representation of women in elected meet an arbitrary quota but because more that Averil Power to Seanad Éireann office. The UN Committee on the Elimination 30% of our best candidates are women. here has also been a “We looked all of our budget lines and all of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of our expenses and cut them significantly. improved this situation slightly has recommended that Ireland introduce In 2004 the Ard Fheis adopted gender equality significant impact on the The most obvious and most difficult side of but it does not hide the fact measures, such as gender quotas, to increase recommendations which introduced a number number of staff working for that was we had to implement a redundancy that Fianna Fáil has a deficit of the number of women in public life. of measures into the organisation. At least T programme whereby 18 people left Fianna Fianna Fáil Headquarters, with one third of delegates to conventions must Fáil’s employment over recent months.” women at the highest levels. be female, The Ard Chomhairle’s Committee the number of staff dropping of Twenty is 50% female. Both genders must from 35 to 17 since February. Headquarters staff consists of two groupings. Fianna Fáil also has to encourage more be represented on the officer board of your Those working specifically from Mount Street women at all levels of the party. We currently Comhairle Dáil or Comhairle Ceantair. This follows the implementation and those based in Leinster House and have 56 female councillors, representing of a voluntary redundancy working in the party’s press and research approximately 15% of the party’s local A midterm review of this project undertaken programme. offices. Job losses were across all areas of the authority membership. While 34% of the last year found that while significant party’s operations. overall party membership is female. improvements are evident, much progress is needed to address the more substantive Fianna Fáil’s staffing costs are covered “These were all very loyal and dedicated We are not the only party who have problem of a lack of women candidates. Party by state funding based on the number of people who gave their time and went well difficulties in this regard. All political parties Leader Micheál Martin has established a task Oireachtas members and the percentage first beyond the call of duty over the last number in Ireland have struggled to ensure parity of force to address this deficit. preference vote received. Due to the fall in the of years,” Seán Dorgan added. “They were representation from both genders. In fact only party vote and number of members elected, friends and colleagues, they were popular 91 women have been elected to Dáil Éireann The group will examine issues such as: state funding dropped from €5.2 million per within the party and well known. Their loss since 1918. Only 12 women have served in year in 2010 to €2.8 million for 2011 (see was deeply felt and very regrettable but it was Fianna Fáil Headquarters in Dublin. Cabinet. • What changes should be made to the article on page 29 for more details). This unfortunately essential that the party put in Fianna Fáil organisation in order to meant cuts across the board, including to place a system that allows it to live within its With just over 15% women’s representation encourage more women to join the party Fianna Fáil staff. means. That is what we had to do.” “The roles we have require people and we are in Dáil Éireann, Ireland falls behind both the and be actively involved? looking for people,” Seán Dorgan continued. world average of 18% and the European As Fianna Fáil General Secretary, Seán Dorgan “In Mount Street we are in the process of “So if there are members out there who have a Senator Averil Power, one of only two women • What supports such as election Union average of 24% per cent. explained to Cuisle, “Obviously the election reconfiguring the roles here. We have very few hours a week or a few hours a month and representing Fianna Fáil in the Oireachtas. monitoring schemes, media training, etc results had a pretty significant knock on effect limited resources but this has allowed us would like to offer that to the party to help us should the party put in place for women As an integral part of the renewal of Fianna on the funding the party receives.” to look at what actually is the purpose of we’d be delighted to hear from them.” who are interested in running in the Local Fáil we must address this issue. As a party In recent months this cause has been given a party headquarters and a party staff in a and General Elections. that strives to serve all in our society we must timely political impetus with the establishment modern political organisation. Clearly we have ensure that our representatives reflect the of a group dedicated to this issue. Determined These were all very to communicate more frequently and more • What processes need to be put in place The roles we have society they serve. to tackle the barriers to women participating effectively with our members. Sometimes to ensure that the FF candidate selection in our political system, Niamh Gallagher and when you do more with less you might get a process results in at least 30% of our loyal and dedicated Party Leader Micheál Martin announced at the Michelle O’Donnell Keating set up Women for better result.” require people and candidates for the next General Election 2011 Arbour Hill Commemoration in April that Election (www.womenforelection.ie) a non‐ being female. the party will seek to run a female candidate in partisan organisation whose vision is of an people who gave “Despite the reduction in staff however, we’re we are looking for every electoral area at the next local elections. Ireland with balanced participation of women • What policy proposals should the party determined to be effective. Our focus is on To make this a success we must ensure that and men in political life. put forward at the national level to their time and went growing the organisation and on ensuring new high calibre candidates are found. encourage more women to enter political that Fianna Fáil is resourced and supported people In the 2011 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland life. effectively to be the leading opposition party. Sometimes people decry this supposed Awards this organisation won a €200,000 well beyond the call favouritism, feeling that selection should be on bursary in support of their mission to increase “While that means doing more with less, it Anyone wishing to volunteer for working in merit only. In an ideal world this would be the the number of women running for and winning This task force is welcoming submissions is do-able. The requirements of the party in Fianna Fáil Headquarters or in other parts case, but such arguments assume naively that elections. They aim to make sure political from members. If you have any suggestions of duty over the last opposition are different from in government of the country should contact Seán Dorgan all election candidates make it into politics ‘on parties have competent, prepared female on this matter please write to the task force on and we are determined to get that right.” at 65/66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 or by their own’ coming from a level playing field. candidates putting themselves forward for gender equality c\o Fianna Fáil Headquarters, number of years. emailing [email protected]. This is not reality. selection. 65/ 66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 or e-mail The party is also hoping that the members [email protected]. “It effectively meant the funding was halved. might help fill the gap left by some of the staff Jimmy Healy Many candidates experience forms of Last May, Minister Phil Hogan announced Clearly the party has to operate within its who have left by volunteering to help out with advantage, some have family connections, his intention to introduce legislation whereby Niamh O’Shea means. The regrettable impact in terms of the various tasks. some have access to significant campaign political parties must ensure that 30% per party was we had to implement a significant finances, some even secure favour from cent of their candidates are women. If parties cost reduction programme.”

8 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 9 CRISIS/OPPORTUNITYWHY MEMBERS NEED TO START USINGHOW MAKING OUR THE MOST RESOURCES OF OUR MEMBERS IS THE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES KEY TO REBUILDING THE PARTY

ne of the biggest shifts tide, an element of franchise and personality reawakening and looking up with anticipation. espite living through It is up to the We need to audit each and every member in culture that members politics all meant that the structures and The members are energised, the engagement three of the most horrific to see what skills and experiences they can machinery of a functioning party organisation is there and the will exists to rediscover bring to the table. Every member should be must now adopt is from a had become unnecessary at best, an ourselves and become a member-driven years of my membership members of Fianna contacted, preferably by email as Oireachtas inconvenience at worst and that grass roots organisation once more. D envelopes are scare, asking them to outline O of Fianna Fáil since I joined in hierarchical culture to a DIY one rasion d’etre had become increasingly trying. what they can bring to the mix. We have where if something needs to be The party is rediscovering democracy. A 1998, I am still in no doubt that Fáil to stand up, somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000 done they should “Just Do It” One either made it through the gap and vacuum from the toppling of the oligarchs Fianna Fáil will not only survive members in the party. Surely we could use all rather than waiting for approval became part of the all-powerful parliamentary is now being filled by members re-emerging as a political party, but recover these individual skills and put them to use. party or one toiled at the bottom with little from the cold and finding voice. In every crisis front and centre and or an instruction that may never input or influence. Which are all some of there is opportunity. Replacing the sometimes to being a viable, strong party In order for us to put our case to the people come. The loss of so many TDs the reasons the organisation found itself so suffocating rivalries of the past, there is every of government. Where does my take a leading role in again at the next election, it is imperative that unable to cope when the tsunami hit home as opportunity now for enthusiastic, interested, we know, within ourselves, what skills we can has left many constituencies in members views had long gone unheard. committed members to just start doing confidence come from? rely on. limbo but this need not mean it themselves, to take the reins and start ensuring our party things grind to a halt. However as is so often the case, within the providing leadership in every cumann, parish It’s definitely not coming from the opinion Let us once again create a truly national problem also lies the solution. The crisis and constituency in Ireland. The members polls or indeed the media. Quite simply - my is bigger and better movement, built on the solid foundations of an brought many forward, an empty bridge must re-take the party and the process is long confidence comes from talking to ordinary energised and skilled membership. A national Rather this is the time when more than ever driving many members above the decks overdue. members of the party, either in real life or via movement that relies on its own skills rather members need to step up to the plate and to take the wheel themselves. How many other means. than our competitors. than the skills of hired help and one which start just taking the tasks on themselves. heroes of Fianna Fáil will emerge as the party puts its members at the heart of everything it Despite media perception the collapse of the renews? A vacuum from the There are just too many of us. However, we does. This is the chance most of us have been party in the last election was not an overnight all must look at our respective roles within TDs and Senators our party has does not waiting for - and moaning about - for a very one but a gradual one built up over a decade Those activist members still exist across the party and assess how we can do more to define the strength of the organisation. In long time. Let’s not waste it. of neglect. One plus side of which is that the country while many of the layers on top toppling of the oli- help. practically every single cumann throughout those that remained are among the most no longer do. The expected and seemingly the country, we have accountants, teachers, Donnacha Maguire committed and are ready now to assume unstoppable electoral disaster has happened garchs is now being US Democrat politician and political logistic experts, people with practical skills in responsibility now that the changing of the and the party is out of government. Yet also commentator, Robert Reich once said, “Your design and marketing and by and large, we guard has come. “the monkey is off our backs” as the train most precious possession is the people you don’t make use of them. is no longer hurtling towards the cliff edge filled by members have working there, and what they carry dragging all carriages behind it, and whilst the around in their heads, and their ability to Whether this has come about because of the The party is now party is now a smaller train, those on board re-emerging from work together.” This is something we all must massive supports we received from being now control their own destiny. remember and place firmly at the centre of our the dominant government party over the party’s renewal. past 85 years or the fact that we failed to embarked on a quest The loss of power has resulted in a clear-out, the cold and finding see that the organisation is a distinct entity not only of the power players, but of those For too long, most Fianna Fáil members have from participation in government. Regardless to look back to its who cling to power, and has cleared a space been mollycoddled by a large, all-powerful of the why, we must now look at the how of where only the committed and the faithful voice. and far-reaching headquarters, and while they getting our members involved at every level of now seek to tread. It would be naïveté in the gave out about them at various times, most renewing Fianna Fáil. soul, to go back to extreme to think the defeat of Fianna Fáil In fact new members are now joining the never ever did anything to change the status would see a disappearance of mé féin culture party, post-election and right up to the present quo because it was easier that way. Things Politics in Ireland is becoming more and more in Irish politics overnight. That negative culture day. At this point in time no patronage is must change. Things must change or else professional with every election. Political basics, to reform has not left politics any more than it has left owed, no pot of gold exists rather a pot of we can forget about being a large, political parties are going to find it very difficult to human nature, but rather following the power, debt. But Fianna Fáil post General Election movement with an influence on everyday raise the resources needed to pay for these the structures and it has surely moved onto the ranks of Fine is a party in rebuild, out of office and with no politics on this island. services. As such, it is up to the members Gael and Labour, the new parties of power, expectations, no favours owed and no spoils of Fianna Fáil to stand up, front and centre where favours are owed, patronage exists and to be squabbled over. The free loaders are Going hand-in-hand with all the internal soul and take a leading role in ensuring our party to drive real change payback queues are in place. surely gone, the users and abusers vanished searching and naval gazing which is ongoing is bigger and better than our competitors in and what remains are the true soldiers of the as we speak must be a distinct realisation that everything that we do. right across the But for Fianna Fáil, driven partly by base rearguard, a legion of energised, capable all cannot continue as it has for the past 20 instinct of survival, but also partly driven by and motivated members ready to take on years in terms of our organisational back up. Why is it that we are happy to fork out those who understand the darkest hour is what could be the biggest political project Gone is the state funding based on having significant sums of money to companies to party. always the one before the dawn, the party the country has ever seen. The rebuilding of over 100 members of the Oireachtas and with perform tasks that I have no doubt members Former Minister of State, Seán is now embarked on a quest to look back Fianna Fáil. One member, one vote. One vote this should go the unwillingness of a lot of in the party would dearly love to do for free or Haughey presents a bust of Donogh Prior problems had meant that the once fabled to its soul, to go back to basics, to reform at a time. members to use their innate skills and talents at least for cost price? By setting us free from O’Malley to Fianna Fáil on behalf of the party machine had become derelict, not fit for the structures and to drive real change for the benefit of the party. these costs and engaging in these activities Haughey family. The bust was made in use, no longer maintained and a large part of right across the party. Micheál Martin TD is James Lawless together in the pursuit of common goals, we 1968. Seán Dorgan accepted the bust this decay had grown up from neglect by its embarked on a renewal tour across every Yes we lost a serious number of Oireachtas all take ownership of the revitalisation of our on behalf of the party. owner. An assumption of power, a boom-time corner of the island. Dormant cumainn are members last February, but the number of movement.

10 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 11 A lot of members have views on this subject and it’s great AR AN BHFÓD nag ar an doras—an feithimh—fuaim na to see so many h-oscailte—aghaidh an vótáilí, agus ansin deis members taking an chur in iúil ar duine ár bhfís, an t-aon seans Camháin sa lá atá linn. Seo an láthair catha mar a bhí, active involvement mar atá, mar a bheidh go síoraí. Tá ár dtodhchaí, cosúil in helping the party leis an am atá thart ar an bhfód inár mbailte, sráidbhailte ONE MEMBER/ONE VOTE renew. agus amuigh faoin tuath. t the next Ard Fheis replace the delegate votes per cumann at • The Comhairle Dail Cheantair the party. This was supported by the views Ar dtús Fhianna Fáil, bunaíodh ar cruth seanÓglaigh na hÉireann í, le in February 2012, the convention. management structure will be headed by expressed by many different members and a constituency manager to replace the party officers in different parts of the country cumann i ngach paróiste agus bunaithe ar saoránacht ghníomhach. members of Fianna Fáil • Each member of at least 12 months chairperson and an officer board, all of who have strong local knowledge of how the D’athraíodh brí The Volunteers ó bhrí míleata chuig ghníomh pobail. Tá A standing, who is a valid active member whom will be selected by the members. party is operating.” will be asked to vote on a set of a registered cumann, will be entitled The officer board will also include a dóchas sa dhúchas. Ba féidir gluaiseacht láidir náisiúnta a bhunú as an of rule changes that will make to vote at cumann meetings, Comhairle secretary and chairpersons of four “The purpose of the proposals is to help bpraiseach catha caillte, is féidir gluaiseacht a athbhunú anois. Tá stair major changes to the way Ceantair meetings, Comhairle Dail activity based sub committees: political renew and open up the party.” fhada ar an bhfód i ngach pobal in Éirinn againn—agus is iad na pobail seo the organisation of the party Cheantair meetings, AGMS, candidate activity and communication, finance and selection conventions and Ard compliance, recruitment and membership The document was distributed to all cumainn, todhchaí ár dtíre. operates. The main change will Fheiseanna. development and Ógra constituency Chomhairli Ceantair and Chomhairli Dáil be the proposed introduction of a development. Ceantair secretaries and emailed to all Níl aiséirí an Páirtí chun teacht trí athrú meoin sna meain cumairsáide—níl • A clear, effective route to membership will registered members of the organisation. ár gcinniúint de shuim acu—tá aiséirí chun teacht trí athrú dearcaidh ar an ‘one member, one vote’ system. be put in place for new applicants looking • Constituency delegates and Directors Members were asked to send in their views on to join the party. of Elections will also be expected to the document by 4th November. bhfód i measc an pobail. Tá an dualgas orainnse mar bhaill na ngluaiseachta Adopting this approach will make a major undertake formal responsibilities. a bheith ábhartha agus fiú riachtanach i ngach aon bhaile, ceantar agus difference to all units of the party. Instead of • Those unwilling to engage in political “We’ve had a huge number of submissions having delegates from each cumann, ‘one activity for the party cannot be considered • Each unit of the party should have an based on the document, which the National contae. member, one vote’ will give all members of voting members of the party. They email address for internal and public Executive will study,” Mr. Dorgan added. “A the party the opportunity to vote at selection will instead be registered as individual communications. Social media and email lot of members have views on this subject and Agus ár mbunaítheoirí ag taisteail timpeall na tíre, bhain siad amach conventions, at Ard Fheiseanna and at the members/ supporters with Fianna Fáil should also be used to enhance member it’s great to see so many members taking an spás i saol poiblí na hÉireann do ghluaiseacht poblachtánach leathan a election of officer boards for Chomhairli HQ. Provision will be made for those who communications. active involvement in helping the party renew.” Ceantair and Chomhairli Dail Ceantair. are no longer physically able to remain h-ionadaíonn na ndaoine—daoine de gach saghas, rang, creidimh, is ar eile. actively involved and retain their voting The document also contains a number of “The next step is to bring these various Tá sé de dhith ag ár sochaí go mbeidh an t-ionadaíocht agus an tuiscint seo Ahead of the formal proposals on ‘one rights. other proposals which should result in major submissions together. They will shortly be ar fáil arís, mar a bhí. Ní fiú polaitíocht muna bhfuil baint idir an Oireachtas member, one vote’ being brought before the changes to how the party operates. These put to the Ard Chomhairle. Based on that Ard Fheis, the party is currently undergoing • Each member will pay a modest annual include: meeting the Ard Chomhairle will circulate the agus riachtanais na ndaoine. Foghlaimaítear i bhfad níos mó as siúil sráide a consultation process regarding the subscription to Fianna Fáil HQ. The final recommendations to go before the Ard sna bailte, as bualadh cnag ar doirse, as déanamh comhrá le cairde ná as proposals. The first step in that was the subscription fee will be set by the Ard • Fianna Fáil HQ will organise annual Fheis in February. These will be sent out to all recent publication by the Ard Chomhairle Chomhairle. Individuals who don’t pay the training days for all cumainn officers. members of the party during December for léigh nuachtáin á insint an scéal céanna lá i ndiaidh lae. Agus foghlaimítear of an initial consultation document entitled fee may remain members of their cumann discussion in advance of the Ard Fheis,” Mr. níos mó amuigh sa domhan mór ná ar líne nó ag cruinniú cumainn ag caint “Organisational Reform Proposals”. but will not have voting rights. • There is a commitment to improve Dorgan concluded. linn féin. Is ionaid foghlama agus scaipthe tuaraim iad clubanna spóirt, communications throughout the party. • Cumainn will be asked to register with grupaí pobail is mar sin de. while there are many Fianna Fáil HQ every January and make • Members and public representatives The thinking was a declaration of its activities, membership will be encouraged to campaign and to Ba féidir a rá gur chaill Fianna Fáil a croí le linn na blianta fada cumhachta— and finances. The financial declaration is distribute party or candidate literature cumhacht a bhí bunaithe ar saibhreas na tíre, agus a chuaigh i bhfad strengths to the to ensure compliance with the Standards door to door outside of elections. that we need to in Public Office regulations. ó riachtanais an saoil. Ba chroí é ghnáthmhuintir na hÉireann lena organisation, there • Specific resources will be set aside for create a structure mianaidhmeanna agus a bhfís, agus ghlac siad linn. Ní fiú faic Fianna • Cumainn which are inactive or paper setting up a Dublin team to help re- cumainn will be asked to merge with other establish the party in the Dublin area. Fáil gan tacú leathan láidir ó gach rang agus gné den sochaí. Caithfimid are many Fianna Fáil local cumainn. that will better reflect seachaint ó polaisaithe a churann gné amháin den phobal i gcoinne “The consultation document is based on two ghnéithe eile, mar is ní neart go chur le chéile agus drochrud na daoine a cumainn not fully • Chomhairlí Ceantair will be asked to separate recent reports carried out by Gerard register every February and hold their Collins and Chris Flood into the strengths how Fianna Fáil scoilt. Le aigne ar oscailt, intinn macánta agus cluas éisteachta, caithfidh AGMs in the first quarter of the year. They and weaknesses of our party organisation,” muid dul go dtí ár ndaoine á cheistiú céard atá ar iarraidh anois ón tír agus functioning. should meet at least six times per year according to Fianna Fáil General Secretary, operates. with at least two of these meetings being Seán Dorgan. “Both reports clearly found muid ag dul ar aghaidh le chéile. This document set out a number of open to the general public in a “Town Hall” that while there are many strengths to the A copy of the initial consultation document is recommendations for the future operational style. A social element should also be built organisation, there are many Fianna Fáil available by email from Fianna Fáil Headquarters Ní féidir linn fanacht go dtí go n-athraíonn an scéal, tá orainn é a athrú. Tá structure of the party. The major points into its annual programme. cumainn not fully functioning.” or can be accessed on http://www.scribd.com/ orainn é seo a dhéanamh go sciobtha agus i slí agus ba féidir linn a bheith included: doc/66952388/Organisational-Reform • Chomhairlí Dail Cheantair will also be “Both Chris Flood and Gerard Collins found bródúil asainn féin. • The Fianna Fáil organisation would move asked to register every February and hold that there are quite a few cumainn that make Jimmy Healy to a one member, one vote system to their AGMs in the first quarter of the year. little worthwhile contribution to the work of Joe Byrne

12 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 13 REFORMTHE NEED TO RESTRUCTURE AT THE THE TOP ARD CHOMHAIRLE

recently learned that there are Do they do anything between meetings? The nearly a hundred people on the It must be asked Ard Chomhairle should be the final arbiter on our behalf on major policy decisions such Fianna Fáil National Executive/ what does this body as whether we should run a presidential I candidate. Ard Chomhairle. This body is the highest authority within Fianna do? Who actually We are a party in serious trouble. We need Fáil, responsible for its success to get real. To get out of this mess we need and overseeing all aspect of its to know who’s making the decisions and we runs the show? need to have confidence in them. administration. How can executive Let’s have a small executive. It should have It is answerable only to the Ard Fheis. We real powers and should command the rarely hear of its activities except when it respect of the parliamentary party. Such an suddenly emerges centre stage to exercise its power possibly be executive must then be held to account by the power to make decisions that can change the organisation. MICHAEL FITZPATRICK RIP course of Irish politics. properly vested in Perhaps the party needs a board of directors t is with a mixture of sadness be felt across the county including in electoral Its most famous hour was undoubtedly the and then a larger council which meets and pride that I pen this tribute areas outside his own which could never vote Michael was a man expulsion of Dessie O’Malley from Fianna Fáil such a large group? a few times a year to hold this board to for him but which he often served regardless. in the 80s back when it seemed as if it really account. Perhaps that larger council could to a friend and mentor and a was at the heart of running Fianna Fáil. In have regional representation like the current I Michael considered it a huge honour to be of wisdom, courage, man who inspired all of us here recent years the Ard Chomhairle has lost its National Executive but the executive could be elected to Leinster House and to Kildare good name and seems peripheral to the real be accountable and effective. Our National made up of people with specific expertise and in the party in North Kildare and County Council before it. He called it straight decisions. Some of its members seem to court Executive does none of this. abilities. beyond. and was not afraid to take an unpopular honesty and above publicity and self promotion at the expense of position on either a local or national matter the party’s reputation. Our parliamentary party (a body that isn’t It is regrettable the reforms suggested for Michael Fitzpatrick passed away on 14th when he felt it was right. He also believed even mentioned in the party’s rules) seem to the organisation to date to not go as far as to October after a brave struggle with motor passionately in the discipline of party and all of public service. Possibly its worst moment in the past few make all the key decisions. Party members reform the governance of the organisation at neurone disease. In the course of his political of government and his job was to support years was the decision to ignore members’ had no say in whether Fianna Fáil should have the top levels. career he served as Teachta Dála for North a Fianna Fáil government and a Fianna wishes and to select local election candidates contested the Presidential Election. Kildare, as councillor for the Clane electoral Fáil Taoiseach whether it was popular or by interview. Our party rules clearly vest One member one vote as a proposal has area and as Mayor of County Kildare. profitable. responsibility for electoral strategy with the Party members were not consulted on merit, but it wasn’t the cumann’s that Ard Chomahirle. our stance in the referendums. They were destroyed Fianna Fáil and we’d be foolish to Michael was a man of wisdom, courage, If Michael had a flaw it was a political failing powerless to intervene in the disastrous think this is the panacea to cure our malaise. honesty and above all of public service. He but a human virtue; he was always reluctant to Since that fateful decision many of its course of action taken by the last was also very much a family man and our publicly take credit for work done, preferring members have claimed that they weren’t Government. When people say Fianna Fáil We need proper leadership structures with a thoughts are with Maureen and Darragh at this quiet satisfaction in a task performed well. It involved or that they didn’t know the wrecked the country I get angry. Many of us democratic core and genuine accountability. I time. was more about the end result than the press consequences. No one on the Ard Chomhairle saw the destruction of our party coming too hope that this oversight in not offering reform release yet he was the hidden hand behind has accepted responsibility for failing the and it seemed were powerless to stop the at the top will be rectified before the Ard Michael typified the traditional values of so many minor miracles. His canvassers lost membership. This ineptness isn’t a defence. train wreck. Our executive must shoulder the Fheis. Otherwise organisation reform is just Fianna Fáil and was a true party man. track of the number of doors knocked where This decision and the clear evidence that blame for once again being inept. moving the chairs on the titanic. He never let politics define him though. I they found he had already been at work but our National Executive does not provide remember one heated confrontation with the always quietly and without fuss. leadership to the party proves we must look at The structures of the Ard Chomhairle must In the meantime there is one thing we as local opposition. It was only after that battle every facet of its existence. also be examined. Can anyone explain why it ordinary party members can all do. The had run its course when he mentioned, to When Michael became ill his efforts is necessary for each constituency to have a members of the Ard Chomhairle will be up my surprise, a friendship with the other party immediately turned to helping others with It must be asked what does this body do? representative? for election at the Ard Fheis in a few months involved. “Sure you’d hardly fall out over a the condition and he set about a series of Who actually runs the show? How can time. Lets not re-elect the same old faces just bit of politics,” were his exact words. It was fundraisers and awareness initiatives. He executive power possibly be properly vested Does a “constituency delegate” really add because they’ve been doing the job for years a lesson to me in the collegiality of politics never stopped representing his constituents in such a large group? Do all the members to the running of the party bringing special and they’re solid party men or women. and never letting the human side become or his party in either Kildare or in Dáil Éireann have the political expertise and capacity to expertise to its governance? Could the secondary to a political position. where he continued a near hundred percent rebuild Fianna Fáil and return it to the centre secretary not just send an update back to Changing the delegates should not be seen attendance, surely surpassing many in the of Irish political life? each CDC officer board? Do the members of as a personal vendetta against current Neither have I ever before or since seen whole of their health. Above all Michael was the Committee of Twenty generate election incumbents. It is just a case that a change opposition politicians share the stage at a always encouraging and upbeat to others and Do they really know what they are doing or as strategy or are they just experts in getting and a fresh approach is needed. Lets shake Fianna Fáil election celebration. Yet it was remained positive about all things in life. I suspect is the large size of this committee themselves elected at the Ard Fheis? it up and put onto the Ard Chomahirle people a mark of the man that such was the case an opportunity for the party leadership to with new vision and a willingness to work for the night of his General Election celebration It was an honour to know and to support obfuscate, confuse and escape from real Do the myriad other delegates question and change in Fianna Fáil. in Allenwood GAA Hall. A quintessential Michael Fitzpatrick. The greatest tribute to scrutiny. Who really runs Fianna Fáil? analyse party strategy and policy decision? party man but one held in as high regard Michael now would be the restoration and Or do they just troop up to meetings and sit If the Ard Chomahitle can’t reform itself then by the other side as by his own. Indeed it renewal of the party he loved and served in I suspect that the Ard Chomhairle is not dumbly delighted so as to be able to tell their we should reform it for them. was the Fine Gael Mayor of Kildare who led North Kildare. We will not let him down. fit for purpose. An executive should have mates they were at a meeting in Leinster out politicians and public figures from all authority and also responsibilities. It must House with some TDs and the party leader. Frank Brannigan. persuasions in Michael’s cortége. His loss will James Lawless

14 Cuisle – The voice of the members TAKING THE PULSE CUISLE TALKS TO MICHEÁL MARTIN TD

or our first edition, Cuisle MM: There are a number of challenges. I also Darragh Calleary TD has his own email absolutely lack of an agenda towards reform secured an interview with don’t put one above the others. I genuinely address as well in terms of policy suggestions. that’s coming from the Government. believe there are 5 to 6 major strands to the So we’re asking members really to contribute Fianna Fáil party leader, renewal of the party. The first is a reevaluation to policy. The Government, actually if you look at all F of the core principles of the party. Update their actions since they came in demonstrate Micheál Martin TD. Anxious to them and make sure they respond to the A lot of grassroots members were talking one thing, they didn’t actually have an get responses on the issues needs of the Irish people in the 21st Century about the fact that we didn’t run a agenda. I mean Enda Kenny did say his focus the members of Fianna Fáil and in the decades ahead and that work is presidential candidate. Do you still think it was totally on polling day. That’s the truest are talking about, we invited underway. was the right decision? statement he ever made. Because once the election was over they’ve taken the name members to email through their From that will flow the policy challenge which MM: Absolutely. I’m very clear from a plaques of our economic policy and they questions. The response was means we have to develop fresh ideas and strategic perspective that it was the right basically haven’t come up with anything fresh policies for the people. There is an decision at this time for the party. I’ve given original themselves. overwhelming with questions organisation and structural plan which we the reasons for it. We have to take onboard coming in from members based have circulated to the members which relates the lessons of the General Election result. What do you see as the next three steps all around the country. to ‘one member one vote’. towards the further integration of North and Our capacity needs to be enhanced by that South from a party point of view and from a There is the communications challenge which I mean our organisational structural capacity national point of view? Cuisle would like to thank everyone who is an enormous challenge, which is to do with needs to be enhanced, our financial capacity, submitted their questions. While it was not internal communications and we’re working but that’s doable. I’m also very conscious MM: Well from a national point of view I think possible in the time provided to put every on that and external communications. that in urban Ireland the party needs to be the review of the North/ South bodies needs Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD takes members’ questions from Cuisle’s Jane Dignam question submitted to Micheál, we hope we strengthened. to be published and acted on. I think we need Below left: Micheál Martin TD, Leader of Fianna Fáil. covered a lot of the subjects raised. Below is Then there is the role of the parliamentary to first of all consolidate what’s been achieved a transcript of some of the highlights from the party and its connectivity with the other levels There’s a lot of issues that we need to sorted. there and add an additional body or two if that In the party political broadcast before the in the future so that members can actually interview. The full version of the audio will be of the party, with the councillors and the other is required. last General Election you promoted yourself communicate to the various channels out made available on the Fianna Fáil website. members of the party. The financial one was important because as a fighter. Do you think you have delivered there. And I think the membership must you can’t go another €750,000 into debt In terms of Fianna Fáil in the North, I on that promise? become much more active in terms of Putting the questions to Micheál on behalf of I think the most important and most on top of the €2.2 million electoral deficit in commissioned a paper recently just to do communicating directly themselves to radio the members was Cuisle’s Jane Dignam. immediate priority is the core values but terms of expenditure. All of that would have some blue sky thinking about it. Since the MM: I do, a strategic fighter. It’s an important and various media programmes, in terms of perhaps the most challenging one is probably retarded the renewal of the party. Instead we Good Friday Agreement we do have an point, I don’t go flaming all over the place. articulating their views and their perspectives In your opinion what is the single greatest more the communications area in terms of concentrated an exclusive focus on the Dublin obligation to have a presence in the North, You’ve got to in the first instance size up the on issues and also on the party. challenge facing the Fianna Fáil party? interaction with the modern media, what that West Bye Election with very good results. the exact nature of that presence has to be challenge that’s ahead of you. Identify the means, online, print and broadcasting. defined. I think we have to walk before we run strategic steps that you need to take to win Were you disappointed that so many of your on this one. and be very clear about that and consistent Ministerial colleagues decided to resign and In relation to ordinary members, do you think I’m taking steps to about it and bring people with you. not contest the General Election. they still have a say in the future direction of I think the initial announcement was done the party? without doing our homework and that has My style sometimes gets criticised but I’m MM: I was disappointed. I mean I understand ensure that members been a problem. So we have to go about this very clear where the party should go, what why some did. Some had very genuine MM: Well I’m taking steps to ensure that in a very earnest but [by putting in place] a we should do. I’m not impatient. Many people reasons. I think the problem was it all members of the party will have a very of the party will have programme, you know we need to know what within the party are impatient. People do happened so quickly. It came in the aftermath significant say in the party. It is their party. we’re doing. say to me in the first couple of months, you of the Christmas period when we weren’t The party belongs to the members in the first know you haven’t really come in and beat up ready for it. It had a devastating impact on instance. a very significant say You can’t just go headlong into it but I would on Enda and all that kind of thing. And I said morale when such a large number in quick like to think in the first instance we could that’s not the way, that’s not what we’re about. succession from January said they weren’t I spent the whole weekend with the Ógra create a policy presence in the North. Either We really are about creating a constructive, running. We didn’t even have replacement members [this interview took place on in the party. It is their a think tank or a group of people who have robust, but above all realistic alternative to the candidates. Tuesday 8th November, just after the Ógra an effect on everyday policy as it manifests present Government. conference]. It was remarked on that I spent party. itself in the North, from the economy, to social So I think that had a devastating impact at the all Friday and all Saturday with the delegates policy and make a contribution to the political What measures are Fianna Fáil taking time. And I think that it was a bit like the top because I wanted to hear what people were debate on that account. to counteract the negative image being players on the Man United team or the Dublin saying. It turned out the sessions were portrayed of the party in the media? team deciding they weren’t playing in the All very good anyway in terms of the banking/ It shows what we can do if we pick certain We have a good cumann in Queens. I’m Ireland Final or in the Champions League and financial one, the education one and we had areas, that we ruthlessly focus on and going to visit Queens shortly and meet with MM: Well I mentioned earlier probably one they were left without replacements in time to a very good town hall meeting on Friday collectively work towards an end and an other members of the party in the North. We of the biggest challenges we have is the get prepared. So I think it had an impact on night. objective and we can achieve it. We came have enthusiastic members in the North. I will whole media, communications agenda. We our performance. second in Dublin West against all the odds. listen to them as well in terms of how we go will make our representations to the media. As you know I’ve forward. But ultimately we’ve got to create our own For space purposes the questions and answers toured the country. Are you surprised by how little reform Fine agenda and I think fundamentally Fianna from this interview have been condensed. The So members will Gael have done given the promises they When do you think it is likely that we would Fáil and Fianna Fáil members must be the full sound file of the interview is available on the have a say on policy. made in advance of the election? start contesting elections? communicators on behalf of the party. Fianna Fáil website. We’ve already asked people to send their MM: Well I felt the promises they made in MM: I think it is some time away to be That means our internal communication ideas to renewal@ themselves were not substantive, they were honest. channels must be far stronger, more effective fiannafail.ie and superficial. Secondly I’m amazed at the

The voice of the members – Cuisle 17 WHAT DOES FIANNA FÁIL AN ALL IRELAND PARTY? MEAN TO ME? FIANNA FÁIL AND THE NORTH

ianna Fáil – “an páirtí drives. Despite the negative portrayal the the sheer amount of opportunities that are evin Fianna Fáil allows myself and people around off the Irish Sea, trying to win a vote from Mrs poblactacha”. It’s in the media has made of the party nowadays, just waiting for the party to take in the six Doyle: To the country, to believe in republican ideals, Somebody who, frankly, would rather curl Fianna Fáil has a definite appeal in the six counties. They have been reluctant to take and still play a huge role in mainstream up in front of a roaring fire, sipping a glass of name. It was founded as an counties. This year over one hundred people more action on the project of Northern people of politics on this island. Merlot. F signed up to join the William Drennan Cumann development and cannot see the advantages. K Irish republican party opposing my generation, at Queens, which was incredibly successful But we as grassroots members can make While many people may see Fianna Fáil There were the nights of standing in the the partition of the six counties given the party’s current standing in much of them see. Fianna Fáil is as a party of regress, I see them as the lashing rain as Mr Otherperson, having eagerly of Ulster. The first aim of its the public’s general mindset. widely seen as party of progress in Ireland. Fianna Fáil awaited our knock, expounded on the national Córú clearly states: “to secure in the party that advocate progress economically, socially and economic situation, and his solution to it, and Indeed, the timing for Fianna Fáil’s debut To ‘steal’ implies democratically, three issues that are high on still you did not know if you had engaged his peace and agreement the unity of into the six counties could not be any better brought us people’s agendas. Fianna Fáil gives me the vote. Still, my fellow cumann members and I Ireland and its people.” than now. The ever-decaying SDLP leaves ownership and Irish to our knees inspiration to rise to the challenge, to stand up did it, and did it willingly. Fianna Fáil was the a vacuum in the nationalist and republican for what I believe in, to do the right thing. party we wanted to lead the country and if electorate that practically has Fianna Fáil’s economically, and many would that is what it took, then so be it. Past leaders such as Éamon de Valera, Seán name on it. republicanism is discourage association with the That is why I believe in Fianna Fáil. Lemass and Jack Lynch understood this and party because of this. So what does Fianna Fáil and being a their work was crucial in cutting loose the With the party’s understanding of the member mean to me? It is the party that formal ties the British Empire still had within importance of a state welfare system and most certainly not an remembered the citizen voter. No matter what the 26 counties’ political and social system worker’s rights, but also mindful of the crucial However, with many of these young people ONAGH DOYLE: As a your station in life, your local TD, heard you and achieving real Irish independence. value of some form of free-market in the idea that is exclusive. living lavish lifestyles, they do not give Fianna and represented you in the Dáil accordingly. economy, Fianna Fáil would be able to not Fáil credit for bringing our nation to the child, I remember our To me, Fianna Fáil was the party of realism. In September 2007, Fianna Fáil registered only soak up the SDLP’s usual voters but previous dizzying heights of the Celtic Tiger, neighbour, the chairman The party that, upon returning to power in itself as a legitimate political party in the six also tap into some of Sinn Féin’s habitual Not owned by any which allowed them and their families to live in O 1977, saw to it that I received a living income. of the local cumann, bringing counties and is now free to expand itself supporters. Their Irish republican ethos and such a way. One that I could live on after four years of and contest elections. In that very same cultural nationalism would certainly strike a single person or our TD, to the door. Ours was opposition led government. Four years of year during the summer, Ógra Fianna Fáil chord in areas such as West Belfast, Tyrone or I recently started work experience with Fianna one house wherein his vote was having to decide if I could afford the bus fare organised a highly successful recruitment day Fermanagh. Fáil. When I told classmates where I would to the local train station or should I walk the at various universities across the North, most organisation. be doing my work experience, I was largely definitely guaranteed. Fianna two miles to take the train into Dublin to go to notably at Queens in Béal Fierste. That was Throughout its history, Fianna Fáil has met with disconcerting, worried faces. Most Fáil? It was the milk in our tea, work. five years ago. been renowned on the entire island for its So many people would be willing to not only of them do not understand the psyche of the meat in our sandwich. For activism and zeal of its members and public say they are a member of and support Fianna the political party, they just give out about Unfortunately, from the 1980’s the higher Fianna Fáil will be representatives to get the job done and Fáil but also put their faith into practice. We whoever is in power, as it’s seen as the thing as long as I can remember, echelons in the party grew further distanced their message across to the people of their just need support. It does not need to be to do. Fianna Fáil, politics in general from the heart of FF. The “grassroots” constituencies. financial nor material. It needs publicity on member. Through the 2000’s it was almost like able to offer the a much larger scale than in one particular Fianna Fáil, in my opinion, does not garner and “what’s wrong with that watching an ongoing episode of “The West Fianna Fáil will be able to offer the wider area. Visits from Teachtaí Dála agus Seandóirí enough respect among young people as it shower” otherwise known as the Wing”. It became a soap opera that had to communities something its rivals here cannot na Fhianna Fáil would be able to generate a should. Young people do not believe, or even opposition, was the staple topic end, and end it did. Brutally. wider communities – it is not tainted by the dark legacy of the great deal of momentum and hype for their know, what Fianna Fáil stands for, and simply IRA’s atrocities nor does it have the reputation six county membership and greatly aid in the use the party as a scapegoat for the country’s of conversation at my parent’s Yet I am still proud to call myself a member of something its rivals of being as complacent and apathetic as most growth of their cumainn. problems. dining table. Fianna Fáil, despite the slingshots and arrows parties in Ireland. Its centrist ideology is much of the media and others. I have faith. Faith more open and acceptable than the dogmatic Ex nihilo nihl fit – nothing comes from nothing I believe in Fianna Fáil and what it stands for. that the lesson has been learned, that the here cannot. leftist ones – it is able to take the best aspects and this is where Fianna Fáil stands if it Fianna Fáil’s ethos and vision for the future of As an adult, and member of a cumann, my party will edit that era out; marry the old core from the left and the right and forge them into continues to treat the six counties with such our country are subjects that I agree with them children always knew when an election was values to the realism of today’s harsh political In those years, there has been little to no something new for the Northern electorate. apathy. It cannot expect that its members on, as they are both relevant and realistic. in the offing. If it was a summer election, a landscape and move on. Back to realising indication from the Ard Comhairle na Páirtí will stay with it forever if they will not get They provide hope for many different groups new pair of comfortable walking shoes were that, we are the main opposition party these that it wishes to really contest in elections It has been remarked by some commentators some form of encouragement from the main within our country, young and old, men and purchased. A winter election saw the heavy days. Back to fighting Joe Citizen’s cause. here. The Assembly elections came and that Fianna Fáil has attempted to ‘steal’ the party, especially after five years with no real women, employed and unemployed, that weather gear being dragged out. There is went and there was not a single Fianna mantle of Irish republicanism from Sinn Féin in response of whether or not it will contest their lives can be improved, and that they will nothing worse than standing freezing on a Fáil candidate for either MLA or councillor the past. I ask; how in any way does this make elections. Imagine the boom in membership not have to worry about Ireland’s economic doorstep in our town, arctic gale howling in positions. Members worked tirelessly to raise sense? To ‘steal’ implies ownership and for and support if the party was to properly situation. awareness and to assert the party’s presence me, Irish republicanism is most certainly not expand itself into the North. If the party was in their home constituencies and this was an idea that is exclusive. It is not owned by to really assert itself here as a much better indeed met with levels of success. any single person or organisation. It is an ideal alternative to the traditional nationalist and WHAT DOES FIANNA FÁIL MEAN TO YOU? In our next issue, Cuisle plans on running a special section featuring contributions on our founders and heroes fought and died for republican electorate, offering a real choice what Fianna Fáil means to members from all over the country. If you would like to have your thoughts included please send no more To this day, Ógra Fianna Fáil has consistently no matter what their background. between itself, the SDLP and Sinn Féin. out-recruited the SDLP Youth and rivalled than 300 words along with a passport style photo of yourself to [email protected] or post it to us at Cuisle PO Box, c/o Fianna Fáil Ógra Shinn Féin at university recruitment The Ard Comhairle does not understand Gaibhin McGranaghan Headquarters, 65/ 66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

18 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 19 FORGOTTEN ACHIEVEMENTS SOME OF FIANNA FÁIL’S SUCCESSES IN POWER FROM 1997 ONWARDS

uring his 1980 presidential It is a question no one in Fine Gael or Labour These are no small achievements and this list You won’t hear campaign Ronald Reagan wants to ask as the answer would only is far from complete. It is just an indication of undermine their hopes to see Fianna Fáil how Fianna Fáil invested the fruits of a boom posed the question that consigned to history. that happened under its watch. Not only did this particular D it use that money to dramatically reduce the has become the hallmark of Across a range of criteria Ireland is better off national debt and to invest in the nation’s almost all elections since: “Are now than it was back in 1997. These were the future: it did it in the face of huge opposition achievement result of a Fianna Fáil led government working from the parties now in office. you better off now than you were together with the people. mentioned much at the last election?” The fact that the voters rejected the policies Since 1997, Fianna Fáil in government: Fine Gael and Labour put to them at the 1997, 2002 and 2007 elections left Ireland better because it does not It is the question Fianna Fáil posed to voters • Created over 600,000 new well-paid and placed to withstand the global economic in 2002 and 2007. The answer came back skilled jobs. recession that hit in 2008. fit the nasty image of resoundingly: “Yes, we are”. This was in stark • More than doubled the average industrial contrast to the overwhelming “No” they gave wage. Yes, Fianna Fáil made errors in government. in February 2011. Fianna Fáil is right to stand up and openly • Made Ireland one of the best locations the party that Fianna acknowledge these - but there is a bigger for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the While the intensive anger of the response may picture. It got a long of things right too. world. The stock of American investment have caught some people unprepared, the It made many important changes and Fáil’s detractors like in Ireland is over 80 times the level in reply itself was unsurprising. implemented key reforms that have made a Greece and almost 18 times that in big improvement to the lives of ordinary men, Poland. Over 1000 world leading compa- Of course people felt they were not better off women and children. to paint. nies now have substantial operations in than they were back in 2007. They could see Ireland including Google, Microsoft, Intel the results of the recession all around them. Key among these is the fact that 250,000 2008 to 4.2%, and those at risk of poverty (i.e. and Pfizer. Almost every person and certainly every family people, including 100,000 children were lifted people who earn less than 60% of the median was worse off, a lot worse off. • Increased old age pension rates by 3 out of poverty by Fianna Fáil led governments income) fell from 19.7% in 2003 to 14.4% in times the cost of living, unemployment since 1997. This was the largest fall in poverty 2008. No matter that Fianna Fáil had gone into benefit by 3.25 times the cost of living and in such a short period ever measured in the 2007 election promising less than the child benefit by 8.25 times. Europe. You won’t hear this particular achievement opposition. No matter that the opposition • Reduced infant mortality rates by a third mentioned much on the radio phone in shows had spent most of 2007 and 2008 urging the and halved coronary mortality rates. or in the opinion pages of the Irish Times – Government to tax less and spend more. because it does not fit the nasty image of the • Provided 300,000 additional healthcare It took the time to Fianna Fáil had presided over a decline in the party that Fianna Fáil’s detractors like to paint. treatments a year. quality of peoples’ lives and it paid the price. • Increased average life expectancy from 75 speak to the people, Nonetheless it is one of which it should be 250,000 people, years in 1996 to 80 years by 2006. proud – because it is about improving the • Invested over €1 billion in cancer care and to learn from the quality of lives of ordinary people. Fianna Fáil’s reduced cancer mortality rates by 15% in presence in government in those years made including 100,000 the under 65s. those people’s lives better. • Created 10,000 new teaching posts, experiences in other reducing class sizes and pupil teacher It is also the hallmark of its approach to children were lifted ratio. investing in education across all levels. We countries and to bring doubled the direct funding to primary schools. Cartoon By Grant O’Hara • Produced the largest school building It improved supports for children with special out of poverty by programme. the results together to needs and those from disadvantaged areas. It • Increased tourist numbers from 5 million created 45,000 extra third level places so that from the recession of the 1980s.It created new policies and approaches. This is what it Fianna Fáil led visitors in 1997 to 8 million in 2007. develop new policies at 32% Ireland is now one of the world leaders the conditions that led to the record breaking must do again now. • Invested €6 billion in our road network in the percentage of working age population increases in Irish exports right through 2010. governments since giving us 750 km of motorway linking who have third level education (compared to We need to renew our party and our Dublin with the principal cities, reducing and approaches. 13% in Italy, 23% in Germany and 26% in Fianna Fáil in government could tackle the organisation so that we can provide the journey times and improving road safety France). problems our country faced in 1997 as it strategies and policies to re-build the post 1997. (Road deaths have reduced by over 50%). had used our time in opposition before that recession Ireland and connect with the people Inequality and relative poverty had been on Fianna Fáil produced the first National productively. once more. But though people clearly knew they were • Produced the youngest rail fleet in Europe the rise when we came into office in 1997. It Disability Strategy and backed it up with both worse off now than they had been in 2006 or with almost 250 new railcars and carriages turned down and fell every year from 2001 to legislation and resources but most importantly It took the time to speak to the people, to Derek Mooney 2007, do they feel they were worse off than along with almost 2,000 new buses for the 2009. According to TCD lecturer Michael King it cut long term unemployment rates by over learn from the experiences in other countries they were before 1997? Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus fleets. consistent poverty halved between 2003 and 65%. This had been the overhanging scourge and to bring the results together to develop

20 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 21 FIANNA FÁIL ARCHIVES IN UCD Mary O’Brien, Ballyvaughan and Gerry Reidy, Ennistymon flying the Fianna Fáil he story of how UCD flag at Uhura Point recently on the summit of became home to the Fianna Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the world’s highest free standing mountain. Mountain leader and Fail archives is a simple Clare CDC Secretary, Gerry Reidy praised the T group of 14 people from Co. Clare they guided one. As the party prepared to to the summit, for their determination and move from Upper Mount Street to commitment. its new premises on Lower Mount Street it was decided that like “Despite extremely bad weather on the mountain for this time of year, with most of us when moving house temperatures below minus 20 degrees on they needed to de-clutter and the final climb to the summit, the collective support within the group ensured everyone the large volume of documents reached the summit at Uhuru Point. It was and papers going back to the fantastic to fly the party flag at the summit of foundation of the party in 1926 Kilimanjaro. Considering there were multiple rescue operations due to severe weather needed a new home. conditions, involving other groups on the mountain, everyone of our Clare group getting According to Seamus Helfarty, who is the to the top was a major achievement.” Principal Archivist in UCD it was the late Brian Lenihan who convinced the then General Above: Election posters from the UCD Fianna Fáil archive. Below: The first Fianna Fáil Secretary Pat Farrell to do something about parliamentary party taken in 1927. IDEAS, PHOTOS, ARTICLES WANTED If you have any photos, articles or ideas you’d like to see covered in Cuisle please send them the mountains of documents and party to us at [email protected] or post it to us at Cuisle PO Box, c/o Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65/ 66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. paraphernalia that had accumulated over the Seamus believes that the Fianna Fáil archive While the archive is viewed regularly by years. Philip Hannon a graduate of UCD was is a very significant collection in its own right researchers and academics, Seamus says hired to put the house in order and spent a and it has added significance in UCD because there is also a “fair amount of viewing on couple of years doing so. it is also home to the private collections constituency material” and that the archives of some of the founding members of the show “how pervasive the Fianna Fáil party A testament to the job done by Phillip is party - Eamon de Valera, Frank Aiken and was throughout the country”. Interestingly the fact that the archive catalogue in UCD Sean Mac Entee. The documents within the because of the family history associated with today has changed very little from the one collection relating to Sean Lemass and his many local cumann and party organisations handed over by the General Secretary, time as Director of the Organisation are also the collection is often viewed by those doing Martin Mackin in around 2000. There is a very important because Lemass left very little ancestral research. large amount of internal party documentation by way of personal papers and according to including minutes of National Executive and Seamus, “that is why papers associated with There is a large amount of digitised imagery parliamentary party meetings, correspondence him are very significant”. The archives hold a in the catalogue from election posters and files of the General Secretaries, Directors of lot of information on the work done by him in leaflets to general photographs. According to Organisation and National Organisers, Ard the period 1954-57 which paved the way for Seamus they show how electioneering has Fheis clár and speeches. Fianna Fáil’s long period of power. changed over the years, “Many of the older election posters were more topical and had a lot of humour in them compared with modern electoral posters.”

The archive is readily available for viewing by members of the party and the general public provided they apply to Fianna Fáil Headquarters in advance.

Jane Dignam

INTERESTED IN FIANNA FÁIL’S HISTORY AND HERITAGE? Cuisle is looking for people interested in researching Fianna Fáil’s rich past. If you’d like to help please drop us an email marked ‘History’ to [email protected] or write to us at Cuisle PO Box, c/o Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65/66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Cartoon By Grant O’Hara

22 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 23 SHOULD FIANNA FÁIL HAVE RUN A CANDIDATE IN THE BIG DEBATEyes THE PRESIDENTIAL noELECTION? o we have pride in our this great country, this country where people late Brian Lenihan’s seat and done Brian and he Presidential Election leading personalities and testing each of them the membership. The party did not need two party, our community, and died to save it, bled to give us a future and his family so proud. We can also take some has shown what we think to see if they could go the distance to polling kickings in the same year. a vote, that Fianna Fáil fight the good fight joy in the fact Sean Gallagher did so well in day. Party politics had northing to do with the in ourselves? Do we care for what we believe in and what we believe the Presidential Election carrying the Fianna Fianna Fáil stands for. discussion. Electorally, we would have struggled to win. D is necessary for Ireland, to be once again the Fáil brand as an independent candidate. This T With seven other candidates already in the what happens to any of them, do We are a collection of election best nation in the world. all shows us that yes the public hammered us The media did not care about what Fianna field, the share of the vote would have been the people of Ireland even care? in February but they now know that Fine Gael addicts. Almost nothing else Fáil thought was the right thing for it to do: spread thinner. The electorate would have had I say yes they do, yes we do and The original thought of not running a Fianna lied to them pre election and have continued matters to the party as much as it was only interested in the individuals. Gay too many other options than to trust a Fianna together as a political party we Fáil presidential candidate frightened me to lie post election. contesting the next election. The Byrne, Brian Crowley and even Mícheál Fáil candidate so soon after the last election. because I was afraid of looking like a coward Ó Muircheartaigh had already been given should do. and coming across a hypocrite. I have been problems of the economy and summary public trials before Micheál Martin outright defending Fianna Fáil over the last The fact Fine Gael society are important to us, but could get a handle on events. Nobody turned in Fianna Fáil had the biggest defeat any political number of years claiming that Fianna Fáil is a party in this country has ever seen last great party and a party for the people and yet fighting elections is our raison Fianna Fáil were still reeling from the February, the people got fed up with us after we wouldn’t run a presidential candidate. It polled so badly in both d’être. disastrous defeat in February. Were we their grave and a bolt 13 years in government, they remembered looks wrong. It looks as if we were cowarding ready for another national campaign? What our failures and forgot our successes. We away. elections suggests Let’s not fool ourselves; the Presidential message was it sending out to the electorate? of lightening didn’t needed to remind them, we needed to show Election was just a personality contest. It was If the party could not even get something so our country and show Europe that Fianna Fáil It brings into question the relevance of the the X-Factor of Irish politics. The election simple as a candidate selection right, what had not lost its bottle, that we are not afraid of Fianna Fáil party if we are not willing to that Fianna Fáil would manifested itself into a glorified reality TV chance did it face going into a brutal and come down from the failure, that we are back and we would have contest elections and show a united front by production to appeal to the tabloid culture savage public execution that was the Irish given this Presidential Election the greatest putting up a candidate. have beaten them in that we both love to crave and love to hate. Presidential Election? Also, why should the shot ever seen by a political party. TV presenters vied to produce the best show, party commit itself to this campaign when it sky and strike the He or she might have failed but what did it to massage their own egos and to try win the was essentially just about the individuals? matter? Surely we would have gained the both elections, which crown of toppling the leading candidates. party down. It brings into question respect of the people for coming back time Whoever we would have run, there is no doubt and again. So I say we should have run a This election had nothing to do with party they would have been mauled and humiliated candidate and we should of ran it to hell would have been a politics. From the very beginning, long before – even much more so than we saw happen We have heard people say it is the party’s duty the relevance of the and back and showed we were not afraid of the spotlight turned on Fianna Fáil pressuring to Sean Gallagher. A relentless and savage to contest each election. They believe it is this showing our faces out in the public arena. major moral boosting us to make a decision to run a candidate or attack on the candidate would have left generation’s obligation to De Valera and the Fianna Fáil party if That we wouldn’t allow the media dictate not, the election campaign had already been members even more demoralised. The party other founding fathers. The approach is that what Fianna Fáil will do next or give the taken over by individuals. The likes of Mary renewal would have faced an even further set Fianna Fáil is a national movement and must, misperception that this party is finished win for us. Davis, David Norris and Sean Gallagher were back. even in the face of huge opposition, still go we are not willing because that is simply not true. Fianna Fáil already busy setting out their stalls before the out and fight elections to express itself. people voted Fianna Fáil because they know parties entered the race. That candidate would have become the punch what Fianna Fáil are about. The fact that we The fact Fine Gael polled so badly in both bag for the economy, for emigration and for That is all very admirable, but let’s be honest to contest elections didn’t run a candidate says that the Fianna elections suggests that Fianna Fáil would have unemployment. The party couldn’t handle this with ourselves, nobody turned in their grave Fáil people don’t care and the fact is we do. beaten them in both elections, which would Whoever we would mountain of pressure in February, how could and a bolt of lightening didn’t come down and show a united have been a major moral boosting win for we expect one individual to? from the sky and strike the party down. The party is in debt sure, but that was no Fianna Fáil and officially we didn’t take the full reason not to run an election campaign, opportunity. have run, there is no Was Fianna Fáil right to not contest the There are three things you need to win an front by putting up a money does not win campaigns, people election? Yes, I believe it was. Not just for the election: a message, a candidate and a do and Fianna Fáil have the best group of In the end we decided not to run a candidate doubt they would obvious reason above, but for many other chance. Fianna Fáil did not have these this candidate. individuals who have blended into a group, a and the results now show us that was a practical reasons too. Money was a big issue. time around. family like no other. mistake. Sean Gallagher’s 600,000+ votes Campaigns are not run on fresh air. also makes the argument that the Fianna Fáil have been mauled Fianna Fáil made the right choice on this Fianna Fáil can and have started to come Fianna Fáil had the capacity and charisma to brand may not be what is toxic, rather the Another reason not to contest the election occasion. It can now continue with the back from the political abyss and to continue be not too far away at the death or even have people still around who were associated with and humiliated... was to save face. The party got a right good renewal of the party having not suffered the to do that Fianna Fáil should have run a won this election. The fact we didn’t run a the previous governments. Maybe we need to kicking in February 2011, and there was no unnecessary wastefulness of this personality candidate in the Presidential Election, be that candidate meant then we couldn’t win under look at that more directly. evidence that it wouldn’t suffer the same election. person Brian Crowley, Eamon Ó Cuív or Gay the Fianna Fáil brand. When the Labour Party and Fine Gael did kicking again only 8 months later. While Byrne it didn’t matter, what matters is that we Mark Bates make their selections, it came and went some of us might be brazen enough to Conor McGarry are seen back out on the streets not afraid If we look at the great successes of Councillor very quietly. This wasn’t about their parties, campaign in the toughest of times, it goes to show our faces. Not afraid to stare down David Mc Guinness finishing second in the it was about their candidates. Pundits were without saying that the February election had Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Fein and to show Dublin West Bye Election who fought for the only interested in weighing up who were the a damaging effect on party morale and on

24 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 25 PHOTOS FROM THE ANNUAL CAIRDE FÁIL DINNER, CAIRDE FÁIL 1ST OCTOBER - BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN

All photographs provided by Tim Ralph Photography

26 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 27 CAIRDE FÁIL PILING OFF THE DEBT A CLOSE UP LOOK AT FIANNA FÁIL FINANCES

ianna Fáil is heavily in Taking a look at some of the most recent “We’re moving towards a model where the debt. The party is currently elections and campaigns illustrates how draw is the main fundraiser for the party. This expensive contesting an election can be. will help local CDCs get good rebates back operating a deficit of which will help them finance their campaigns F In the 2002 General Election, Fianna Fáil spent and they will also get a rebate from the approximately €2.2 million. This debt is not a new occurrence. €3 million on the General Election campaign. National Collection.” This was followed by spending of €4 million The party has been carrying a for the 2007 General Election. In February “So the party will be almost entirely financed large debt since the early 1980s, 2011, the party spent nearly €1 million. by the National Draw and the National Collection. We are moving away from a figure that reached almost €6 Between 2007 and 2011 the party also corporate donations entirely. Our focus is million in today’s terms in the contested two Lisbon Treaty Referenda on smaller donations from individuals,” Mr. early 1990s. campaigns, a Local and European Election McShea added. campaign and several Bye Elections. “We need to build on the many individuals Fianna Fáil’s finances are broken into two Today’s debt position is more manageable to who are already giving the party donations of distinct categories – state funding which where the party found itself not so long ago. under €100 every year. If every Fianna Fáil goes to the general running of the party on a The party hit its highest level of debt in 1992 member was able to sell one National Super day to day basis and then fundraising which when, adjusted for inflation, the party owed Draw ticket each or a couple of draw tickets goes towards the cost of campaigning and €5.9 million. each, that would go far beyond clearing our contesting elections. debt,” said Mr. McShea. “We are asking While some of this debt was paid off over the everyone to engage with the draw as this is State funding of political parties is based on subsequent years, the party would have had the best, easiest and clearest way to reduce the number of Oireachtas members each a significant debt millstone around its neck the debt.” party has after the Dáil and Seanad elections, following the 2002 General Election only for as well as the overall percentage of vote each the sale of its Mount Street Headquarters. “If the draw figures are maintained then it is party receives. This sale effectively paid for the 2002 General expected by this time next year the party’s Election campaign and brought the debt down debt will be reduced to circa €1 million. In 2010, Fianna Fáil received €5.2 million in to €2.3 million. The party then moved into However we do need to clear the debt and state funding. For 2011, as a result of the leased offices on Lower Mount Street. we need to have money in the bank for future General Election and Seanad Election results, elections. We want to build up a fighting fund state funding has fallen to €2.8 million, which Currently the main sources of fundraising are by the time of the next elections in 2014.” has resulted in significant reductions in the the National Draw and the National Collection. staffing arrangements for Fianna Fáil (see These are the main tentpoles of the party’s The party is open to new fundraising article on page 9). fundraising efforts, with 90% of the party suggestions but prefers to concentrate on fundraising now consisting of contributions small donations. This €2.8 million goes towards funding all lower than €100. administrative overheads including the staff As well as fundraising, the party puts a lot working directly for Fianna Fáil in party Other fundraising activities, such as the Cáirde of time into ensuring it gets best value for headquarters as well as in Leinster House Fáil President’s Dinner, contribute to the party money for all purchases. The recent General (it does not go towards staff working for coffers. However, the net revenue from these Election is a prime example. The party spent the individual TDs or Senators who have a events has generally been in the range of approximately €430,000 on 60,000 posters separate allowance), as well as leasing Fianna €30,000 to €50,000 to the party, after costs for last February’s election. This represented Fáil Headquarters and other costs such as have been covered. a 10,000 increase in the number of posters utilities, printing, website, stationary, Ard erected on the previous General Election, Fheiseanna, National Youth Conferences, The importance of the two main tentpoles of even though the unit costs and erection costs party events, policy development costs and the party’s fundraising was summed up by were reduced by more than 50% from 2007. other general administration costs. David Burke, Fianna Fáil’s Director of Finance. “If we raised €500,000 in the Super Draw and According to David Burke, the party is also State funds may not be used for electoral €300,000 in the National Collection every looking at a more effective ways of using their costs. For that reason, the party keeps this year, given that we run in five year cycles, that funding. “We’re focusing on tendering; getting funding distinctly separate. would equate to €4 million over five years. better value for money and making sure That would allow us to clear our debt and put donations to the party go a long way. For the All costs relating to fighting elections or a campaign fund in place.” last General Election, all cost categories were campaigning must be paid for by the party’s tightly managed and kept within budget. That fundraising efforts. Over the years, this The National Draw is a very important has to be the way we operate in the future. funding has included the National Super fundraiser and the party is working to grow Because once we have the debt cleared Draw, the National Collection, the President’s it. Praising the amount of funding raised by we can’t afford to let it build up again,” he Dinner, golf classics as well as corporate Cavan during the National Draw in 2010, concluded. donations. This money goes towards paying Darragh McShea, Fianna Fáil’s Fundraising for posters, advertising, literature, printing and Executive said, “If every CDC did what Cavan design, research and other costs associated did last year, the party would raise over €1 with campaigns. million year.” Jimmy Healy

28 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 29 HOW CAN MEMBERS HELP FIANNA FÁIL YOUR LETTERS GET FAIRER TREATMENT IN THE MEDIA? Every issue Cuisle will be publishing a selection of members’ What is Twitter? Twitter is an online social networking website that enables letters. Here is the first batch... users to send and read short messages. It was launched in July 2011 and now has 200 million users worldwide. Twitter has been described as text messaging The Presidential Election is now over, I was , a party We are all trying to rebuild our party When studying the results of the Dublin West for the internet. Posts, known as tweets, against us not fielding a candidate but as I we love. It sickens me to read reports in the Bye Election we should have learned a lesson can only be up to 140 characters long. have seen how dirty the campaign turned out papers were ex TDs come out with personal in politics. Users can log on and follow other I do believe the correct move was made. Our gripes. users to see what they are up to or objective now is the Local Elections in 2014 Never say never and never give up. I sincerely how they feel about a particular issue. and to continue with the rebuilding process. The latest one was Noel O’Flynn having a go hope people realise how significant the results Your posts, or tweets, are visible to all at Micheál Martin because his son didn’t get of the Dublin West election are for Fianna Fáil Oliver Golden those who you accept as your followers. a Seanad seat. People are fed up with family and what message we should take from them. Programmes like Tonight with Vincent members thinking they have a right to a seat Fianna Fáil’s Twitter home page Browne and the Frontline regularly just because their father etc held a seat. The message that should be abstracted is that Over the past number of weeks I have the Fianna Fáil brand is not toxic but that there ne issue that continues to come up in all discussions about monitor and read out what is being said been wondering about Fianna Fáil ideology. I think Noel has done his son Kenneth no are people who are a part of Fianna Fáil that about the programme on Twitter. See At the last General Election all I heard was favours with this strop. To be elected to are toxic. the renewal of the party is what many members feel is an www.fiannafail.ie/mediabalance for an Fianna Fáil was the exact same as Fine Gael. represent the party be it as an officer of a unfairly aggressive approach taken by some in the media. instructional video on how social media Whatever we may think of that, that seems to cumann or as a public representative is a huge Cllr. David McGuinness is not toxic and maybe O works. Many members feel frustrated that the party is unfairly blamed for be what the electorate think. honour. if a better known name had ran who was part of the old regime we would have suffered at every ill in the country while many within the media seem unwilling If you look at American politics for example, But with power comes responsibility and the hands of the electorate but the electorate to even listen to any argument that points to the enormous good the Republicans and Democrats are poles these people have a responsibility to the have shown they are willing to forgive if we apart in their ideology. When a person votes that our party has been responsible for over the years. Word on the Tweet. Fianna Fáil on members who are working so hard up and change the people that are giving the party Twitter.com has almost 7,000 followers GOP they know they are going to get small down the country to rebuild the party and toxicity. government, budget cuts, tax cuts etc. When (@fiannafailparty). Can you help bring it repair the image of Fianna Fáil. This is one area where an engaged and active membership can make serious inroads. up to 10,000? they vote Democrat they know they will get We need to cleanse the party of the past we Mark Power While there is no doubt that there is a lot of public anger towards the party, the effect of this increased federal spending, stronger federal need to inject new people into the veins of in the media is amplified by the efforts of our political opponents who ear responsible for government etc. Fianna Fáil because as I have said Fianna Fáil coordinated and sustained campaigns of texting and calling radio and TV shows, writing is not toxic but rather the people whom the to the local and national newspapers, tweeting and populating Facebook with anti-FF Can we say the same in Ireland? In my Calling to a door in Dublin West during the electorate hold distain for are the cause of messages and complaining when they do not get a fair hearing. Did you know? All TV and radio opinion: no. While I understand that particular week of the Bye Election I was greeted by many of our problems. stations operate under the Broadcasting circumstances may deter us from always a constituent asking if I had ‘more political Now is the time for Fianna Fáil members to make our voices heard in a similar way. Social Act 2009. This law states that in pursuing the course we may think to be rubbish for her’. Until she noticed the leaflet We need to ensure that those who created networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are increasingly important forums for public broadcasting current affairs, the station perfect, I do believe that Fianna Fáil should publicising Cllr. David McGuinness and then or were part of the brown envelope period of discourse on all issues, from the very local and personal to the larger social and political must be fair to all interests, present adopt a “baseline” policy that we would her tone changed. our party’s history are banished to the past. matters. Engaging online, while not possible for everyone, can be an instant way of having material in an objective and impartial always hope to pursue. Because it is they who are toxic and not your voice heard on issues you feel strongly about and starting to address the anti-FF manner and without any expression of Although difficult tasks often seem impossible Fianna Fáil. A brand cannot create toxins. It imbalance that we regularly see and hear. If you are not online, the letter to the newspaper the presenter’s personal views. One of the reasons we are where we are is until it’s done, the Dublin West Bye Election is people who maliciously use that brand that or the call to the radio station is every bit as important. because we don’t have any policy. I’m not has shown that the positive steps which have create these toxic issues. saying for one minute that we should say we been taken are affecting the voices on the Dermot Ryan are a right- or left-wing party. I think we should doorstep, the change of tone on the street and This is about equality and fairness for Fianna Fáil members. Fianna Fáil has an increasingly strong and active membership which deserves to have it voice heard and its views ignore that element of things. most importantly translating into votes gained. Letters to the Editor represented in the media. All of us can play a crucial role in reminding people that Fianna While social media is a growing area, it What I’m saying is we sit down and go To echo the words expressed by Cllr. Cuisle is a new and exciting departure, and Fáil is the leading opposition party and that Fianna Fáil members have as much of a right as isn’t for everyone and there are still many through each topic one by one and formulate David McGuinness, I was ‘heartened’ by I wish it every success. We in the Tramore E.A. anyone else to have their views represented. more people buying and reading local and policies that we would hope to implement the substantial result achieved and, as of Co. Waterford are few on the ground now; national newspapers than using Facebook whenever we would be in government. And significantly, by the energy, positivity and we have no representation whatsoever in the Sometimes members make the point that while they would like to do more in addressing and Twitter. A well written, well argued we stick to those policies through thick and confidence in the way in which the campaign Oireachtas. We have one town councillor and media imbalance, they are not sure what the party’s view is on different issues. One way to letter to the editor is still a very important thin!! was run. It is a true reflection of the hard work one county councillor. We are also finding it address this is to register on Twitter.com and follow the party (search for @fiannafailparty). tool in addressing unfair commentary and of Cllr. David McGuinness and his campaign hard to attract new members. We need to Already, the party has almost 7,000 followers. Doing this allows you to get news and getting some balance into the press. We shouldn’t simply change them as it comes team that fellow members like myself have keep this party alive here, include a more views from the party as soon as any statements are released. If we had just a fraction of close to a General Election. been provided with a strong and inspiring social aspect, have meetings that are relevant, our members engaging daily on Twitter and promoting the party’s agenda it would make a Michael Mahony platform on which to build our next election. but most of all I think we need to get back difference. If you are not on Twitter, keep an eye on the news section of the party website Laura Reid to working within the waves and weaves of where all new press releases are added. our community. I would be delighted with any One small step towards Renewal suggestions and any help, Many thanks. Another area where we could do more as members is speaking out when we feel that the every day media have broken their requirement to be impartial and fair to all interests when discussing Imagine the difference we could make if Helen Young every member did one small thing every THESE LETTERS REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE LETTER WRITERS CONCERNED. THEY DO NOT news and current affairs. Each of the broadcasters have a complaints procedure that you day to address media imbalance – write REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE FIANNA FÁIL PARTY LEADERSHIP, FIANNA FÁIL HEADQUARTERS OR CUISLE. should follow if you feel that they are not treating an issue fairly or if they are allowing a personal opinion to colour their treatment of a subject. If you are unhappy with the response a letter to your local newspaper, text you get from the broadcaster after complaining, you can appeal to the Broadcasting a radio programme, retweet a Fianna Authority of Ireland. Fáil statement, introduce another friend WRITE TO CUISLE: Cuisle would like to hear your views. If you have any thoughts on Fianna Fáil, politics in general or any of the issues raised in to Fianna Fáil on Facebook or formally this issue please write to us. Letters can be emailed to [email protected] (please use the subject line ‘Letters’) or posted to Cuisle PO Box, c/o Further information on how to play your part in spreading Fianna Fáil’s message and on how to complain if you think a broadcaster is Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65/ 66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. make responsible complaints is available at www.fiannafail.ie/mediabalance being unfair.

30 Cuisle – The voice of the members The voice of the members – Cuisle 31 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE 5 POINT PLAN?

While Labour’s members of the Cabinet have t’d be hard to forget Fine all but disappeared from view, perhaps hoping Gael’s 5 point plan, those five to go unnoticed, the Fine Gael financial simple points that were going experts of Noonan and Varadkar are out front I and centre upping the ante on how much to change the country, fix the money can be taken out of the economy and health service, and bring a new the pockets of the working classes before it era to Irish politics. For about grinds to a halt completely. two months before the General The most recent and perhaps the most blatant Election Enda Kenny talked about betrayal of those that voted for them is their complete u-turn on ‘burning the bondholders’. little else, even if sometimes he In the run up to the General Election Fine seemed to struggle to remember Gael and Labour promised to pursue policies they couldn’t deliver on to achieve electoral them. gains, ignoring the trust placed in them by the electorate. Time and time again Micheál Nine months on from the General Election Martin challenged the now Government and there is little if any mention of it. Perhaps for making these false promises during the it’s not surprising that the 5 point plan has campaign. disappeared from sight when you take a look back at the promises made to the Irish people In light of all these u-turns and flip flopping and see how they were discarded the day by the Government it is vital that Fianna after the election. Fáil acts as a watchdog on the decisions Enda Kenny promising no downgrade of services in Roscommon Hospital, another and policies of this Fine Gael and Labour Fine Gael promised a jobs’ strategy which promise that didn’t last long. Government. It seems that the media have was subsequently downgraded to an initiative. given the Government a free hall pass for They promised to create 20,000 jobs a year, the foreseeable future, which makes it all the instead unemployment figures have continued How many u-turns more important that Fianna Fáil holds them to to rise throughout 2011 as high as 14.4% in account. August. When it was announced that jobless’ and broken promises figures had declined in September you had to It would clearly suit the Government if Fianna check the small print to see that it was by a Fáil were to pack up and go home because mere 0.1%. can Fine Gael stand it would leave them with a straight run at goal. The other tenants of the opposition Fine Gael promised to reform the political benches being Sinn Féin, the party that says system in Ireland. Yet when it came to over? ‘No’ to just about everything, as well as the their first real opportunity, a reduction in The promised health service reforms have Independents and the Technical Group who the number of junior ministers to 12 as failed to materialise with the once ever by virtue of their individual mandates find it promised, they reneged and appointed 15. present Dr. James Reilly almost harder to difficult to present a consistent and cohesive They promised to abolish the Seanad. It’s still find now than the Tánaiste. We have seen opposition. sitting. work stoppages by nurses over the lack of resources in A & E departments and the Fianna Fáil must stop reacting to the barbs of They promised to cap pay to political advisors proposed closures of a number of other A & E the front benches about the past and put the and yet two of the Taoiseach’s own staff departments throughout the country. focus and the agenda where it should be - on are being paid in excess of €160,000 each, the actions of the Government. despite this contravening the Department of Fine Gael claimed they were going to fix the Public Expenditure’s own guidelines. It has economy, yet whenever Minister Noonan Clearly Fianna Fáil has a great deal of work since emerged that Labour Minister Brendan stands before a microphone to take credit to do in rebuilding the party and in reaching Howlin has approved 14 separate exceptions for the fact that Ireland’s recovery is on track, out to the public. I would argue that the most to the pay cap. Then, there is the small matter he neglects to mention that the plan being important job of our national representatives is of both Fine Gael and Labour appointing their implemented is the one devised by Fianna to do just that, to represent the interests of us supporters as judges to the High Court. Faíl. the ordinary members, by providing consistent and fair alternatives to the policies being How many u-turns and broken promises can According to a recent newspaper article when pursued by Fine Gael and Labour. the Fine Gael and Labour coalition stand Ajai Chopra, head of the IMF was asked at a over? In the last few years Enda Kenny conference in Kenmare what impact the Fine Jane Dignam and Eamon Gilmore have gained political Gael and Labour administration had on the advantage over their allegations of cronyism status of the rescue package he said “it didn’t and jobs for the boys, well they can no longer. change much it changed at the margins”.