Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny told his supporters last night that an election in 2009 was a distinct possibility and that Fine Gael could fight and win it.
Mr Kenny was speaking at the annual Fine Gael Presidential dinner in Dublin.
“We don’t know when the next general election will be held but with the current series of fiascos and crises besetting th Government there is now a very real prospect of a general election in 2009,” he told 1,200 supporters.
With Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s Fianna Fáil-led government under growing pressure over its spending plans, the Fine Gael leader announced he would be undertaking a pre-Christmas nationwide tour to bring his party’s message to the public.
“Fine Gael are now beginning preparations for that general election. I propose to undertake a nationwide tour through November and December built around a series of 30 town hall meetings organised by the party.
“These public meetings will be an opportunity to consult directly with the public and will also provide a chance for Fine Gael to present its alternative approach on the economy. We need to revert to balanced budgets, low costs, real competitiveness, pro-business initiatives and export capacity, which built the Celtic Tiger, while at the same time develop value for money and protect our front line services.”
With local and European elections scheduled in June next year, Mr Kenny predicted that a general election could follow soon after.
“These elections in June next year will provide the springboard for further electoral success at a national level,” he said.
“Fine Gael is ready to lead. It is ready to make the decisions to restore this country’s fortunes. We recognise there are tough times ahead for the country. Many of our current difficulties are of the Government’s making. That is why the Fine Gael approach to the economy is markedly different from Fianna Fail’s where the party will make tough decisions but which will be fair.
Earlier, Mr Kenny attended an event in Dublin held to mark the 75th anniversary of the foundation of Fine Gael.
Fine Gael was founded in 1933 following the merger of Cumann na nGaedhael, the Centre Party and the Army Comrades Association, otherwise known as the ‘Blueshirts’.
The one-day seminar in the Green Isle Hotel was opened by the Fine Gael leader.
The main Opposition party grew out of the Cumann na nGaedhael political group which helped establish the state in the 1920s and developed many important institutions like the army and the courts service.
Speakers included Prof Michael Laffan of the UCC School of History, Boston-based author Michael Cronin and Prof Tom Garvin, of the UCD School of Politics & International Relations.
Additional reporting PA