Politics

Varadkar seeks Budget ideas from Fine Gael grassroots

Taoiseach says party branch meetings should be held by end of September

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he had written to Fine Gael constituency chairs asking for opinions on spending priorities. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

Sarah Bardon
Fri Aug 11 2017 - 17:34

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has requested Fine Gael branches in every constituency to hold special meetings by the end of September as part of a consultation on planned Budget measures.

In his weekly video message, Mr Varadkar said he has written to constituency chairs outlining the need to facilitate such meetings.

Members will be asked for their views on the upcoming Budget and the capital plan, which is to be announced later this year.

Mr Varadkar said: “Specifically we will be asking what you think should be the Government’s priority when it comes to tax relief, pensions and social welfare and also public spending.

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“We will be asking you which one or two projects you would like to see prioritised in your constituency when it comes to the capital programme.”

The Taoiseach said he had promised Fine Gael party members a real input into crucial decisions, and real input into policy formation.

Mr Varadkar also confirmed the party's think-in will be held in Co Tipperary before the Dáil resumes in September.

It will also be used to hear from potential candidates in the constituency, where there is no elected Fine Gael TD.

In his policy paper during the leadership campaign, the Fine Gael leader promised a radical reform of the party.

A special Ard Fheis will be held to decide on the party's participation in government, and the party manifesto will be replaced with a rolling political programme.

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