Fine Gael is targeting 30 more seats in the next general election and plans to link with the Labour Party to challenge the current Government, party leader Mr Enda Kenny said today.
Speaking at the opening of the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting in Kilkenny today, Mr Kenny said that the European Election results were a vote for change and "they marked the cards of this Government."
"Fine Gael has identified 30 target seats which the party will be setting out to win in the next General Election. We are on an election footing and we must be focussed and strategic in our approach."
Speaking about the recent Mullingar Accord, Mr Kenny added: "Labour and Fine Gael share a belief and an ambition for the Irish people. We share an insight into the compassionate heart of the Irish nation, and above all, a passion to serve our country."
The party leader also spoke of the "understanding and mutual respect" enjoyed by the two parties and said that the Government will fear facing the challenge of a coalition with Labour.
"Fine Gael and Labour have successfully worked together in Government in the past," added Mr Kenny. "And I am convinced that we can do so again. It is not a prospect which the current Government will relish facing. Expect them to try to undermine us at every opportunity."
Fine Gael began its two-day parliamentary party meeting, buoyed by the decision of Wexford TD Dr Liam Twomey to join the party.
The Fine Gael front bench is going to be reshuffled soon to reflect the election of Mr Gay Mitchell and Mr Simon Coveney as MEPs, and the appointment of Mr John Bruton as EU representative in Washington.
Mr Kenny said yesterday that although Dr Twomey would make a good spokesman on health or other areas, he had not promised the new TD a portfolio and added one had not been sought in return for joining the party.