Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern has announced the details of Fianna Fáil‘s new Northern strategy committee. Members include key peace process figure Martin Mansergh, De Valera scion Éamon Ó Cuív and Donegal TD, Niall Blaney, formerly of Independent Fianna Fáil:
Minister
Ahern commented: “Arising out of An Taoiseach’s recent announcement
that Fianna Fáil would develop a strategy for organising on a 32-county
basis, this Committee is now being established to set out practical
plans and a timescale to deliver on this historic move.“The Committee will be the focus of Party deliberations and will engage with interested parties North and South.
“The
Committee includes members of the Parliamentary Party, the Party
Councillor base, the Árd Comhairle as well as some external expertise.“Between
now and next Easter, it will conduct an extensive Party consultation
process, across all units of the Organisation. Every Cumann will be
invited to debate this issue and to report on its findings. Every
member will have an opportunity to make an individual submission and to
have their say.“To assist this process the
Committee will also conduct a series of Regional Party Meetings where
the issues can be discussed in detail.“An Taoiseach will shortly write to all Cumainn outlining the detail of this process.
“In addition, the Committee will invite submissions from the general public and interested groups North and South.
“The Committee will hold its first meeting early next week to agree a work programme.
“Its final deliberations will be sent forward to the Árd Comhairle, Party leadership and ultimately an Árd Fheis for approval.
“Clearly, this is an historic move which demands the gradual and strategic approach we are now embarking on.
“It
will be founded on the same responsible and positive Fianna Fáil
approach which has helped shape the Irish peace process and build
economic prosperity.”ENDS
Committee Members
1. Dermot Ahern TD, Cathaoirleach 2. Niall Blaney TD 3. Rory Brady, SC 4. Cllr. Alan Coleman 5. Seán Dorgan 6. Cllr. Deirdre Forde 7. Cllr. Mary Hoade 8. Martin Mansergh TD 9. Packie McAdam 10. Niamh Muldoon 11. Ciarán Ó Cuinn 12. Éamon Ó Cuív TD 13. Rory O’Hanlon TD 14. Cllr. Fiona O’Loughlin
15. Brendan Smith TD (
Minister
Ahern commented: “Arising out of An Taoiseach’s recent announcement
that Fianna Fáil would develop a strategy for organising on a 32-county
basis, this Committee is now being established to set out practical
plans and a timescale to deliver on this historic move.“The Committee will be the focus of Party deliberations and will engage with interested parties North and South.
“The
Committee includes members of the Parliamentary Party, the Party
Councillor base, the Árd Comhairle as well as some external expertise.“Between
now and next Easter, it will conduct an extensive Party consultation
process, across all units of the Organisation. Every Cumann will be
invited to debate this issue and to report on its findings. Every
member will have an opportunity to make an individual submission and to
have their say.“To assist this process the
Committee will also conduct a series of Regional Party Meetings where
the issues can be discussed in detail.“An Taoiseach will shortly write to all Cumainn outlining the detail of this process.
“In addition, the Committee will invite submissions from the general public and interested groups North and South.
“The Committee will hold its first meeting early next week to agree a work programme.
“Its final deliberations will be sent forward to the Árd Comhairle, Party leadership and ultimately an Árd Fheis for approval.
“Clearly, this is an historic move which demands the gradual and strategic approach we are now embarking on.
“It
will be founded on the same responsible and positive Fianna Fáil
approach which has helped shape the Irish peace process and build
economic prosperity.”ENDS
Committee Members
1. Dermot Ahern TD, Cathaoirleach 2. Niall Blaney TD 3. Rory Brady, SC 4. Cllr. Alan Coleman 5. Seán Dorgan 6. Cllr. Deirdre Forde 7. Cllr. Mary Hoade 8. Martin Mansergh TD 9. Packie McAdam 10. Niamh Muldoon 11. Ciarán Ó Cuinn 12. Éamon Ó Cuív TD 13. Rory O’Hanlon TD 14. Cllr. Fiona O’Loughlin
15. Brendan Smith TD (
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