Fine Gael predicts doubling of Dáil representation

Fine Gael's chief election strategist has backed up claims by Enda Kenny that the party can double its number of seats in the next general election.

Speaking at the party's two-day think-in in Sligo today, Frank Flannery said the party's policy of linking itself would result in Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats struggling to keep seats in at least 30 constituencies.

Earlier today, Mr Kenny predicted his party - which currently has 32 TDs- could double its Dáil representation after next summer's poll.

Mr Flannery said this afternoon Fine Gael internal research and opinion polls taken on behalf of the party show it could win an extra 25 to 29 seats in the General Election.

The seats being targeted are primarily in the north west, where Mr Flannery said the effect of Mr Kenny's high profile in Co Mayo would have an effect on voters.

However, he also said there could be gains in the West, across Munster, Dublin and throughout Leinster.

"The seats will come from all over the place. If Fine Gael

He predicted that Fianna Fáil could lose up to 20 seats and that Fine Gael would regain the three seats it lost to the PDs in the last election.

The strategist said the

Labour Party, which he insisted would only be in direct competition with Fine Gael in Kerry South and Dublin West, would win around 25 seats. He predicted modest gains for both the Green Party and Sinn Féin.

are going to win a lot of seats, then Fianna Fáil have to lose seats because there aren't seats for both parties to have high numbers."

In an interview this morning, Mr Kenny

said he would bolster the union between Fine Gael and Labour by attending Labour's forthcoming parliamentary meeting in Cork.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte was unveiled as a surprise guest at the Fine Gael meeting in

Sligo last night. Mr Kenny said today this show of unity showed the two parties' determination to oust the Government.

"I think it demonstrates the seriousness of our intent, that being an alternative set of choices before the Irish electorate on the next occasion,"

he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland. "It solidifies in the public mind that Fine Gael and Labour are serious about providing a new and better government for the people on the next occasion."

He said Fine Gael had reached consensus with Labour on common policy on a range of issues.

"We have our own individual identities but we have agreed to set out a range of agreed policy decisions in the areas of crime, health and management of the economy," he said.

The Fine Gael leader also denied ruling out entering a coalition administration with the Progressive Democrats.

Earlier this week, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell accused Fine Gael and Labour of being "handcuffed" together. He said the two parties could only offer the electorate a "slump coalition" and claimed they had been ineffective during their previous tenures in power.

Mr Kenny today dismissed the charge. "Minister McDowell wasn't around the table when Fine Gael and Labour protected the economy in the interests of the people. He would be far better-off minding his own brief when crime is rampant."