Taoiseach sets up group to boost Fine Gael ties in Northern Ireland

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has established a new Fine Gael group to develop links with Northern Ireland.

The new group, announced at the weekly parliamentary party meeting, will be chaired by Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd.

"The group will develop links with parties and other significant groups in Northern Ireland, attend party conferences and cultural, economic and academic events," Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Martin Heydon said.

“The group will also organise, through FG party structures,symposia on topics relating to Northern Ireland.

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“It will also discuss ideas for increasing the Fine Gael profile in Northern Ireland and report back to the party and the leadership on suggestions for positions which might be adopted on Northern Ireland issues on a consultative basis.”