Special Candidate Session – “Facing the Future”
A chairde,
Ireland under the Fianna Fáil/PD coalition has seen the greatest period of economic prosperity in the history of this state. This is one simple fact which we must drive home to the electorate in the forthcoming campaign.
The economic fortune which we have enjoyed is attributable to the forward thinking and vision of recent Fianna Fail led governments.
Opposition policies over the years have always tended to opt for the quick fix, in an effort to gain popularity as quickly as possible in the short term.
The enduring legacy of Fianna Fáil is our commitment to the Irish people. Through sensible economic management we have achieved our present prosperity, and we are bringing Ireland ever closer to our vision of social justice for all our people.
We, the Irish nation, have now reaped the benefits of the foresight of Fianna Fáils economic policies.
I believe that it is only through Fianna Fáil led economic policies that our country can continue to benefit from the modern global economy.
In my own constituency, Kildare North, the importance of progressive economic policies is evident. The major investments made by multinationals such as Intel, ¤3.2 billion, and Hewlett Packard in the North Kildare area means that employment is now available at home. Young people from my area are no longer faced with working on building sites and in bars in Kilburn, Dorchester, and Queens.
The rising tide has floated many boats. Fianna Fáil has prudently managed the economy, while investing more into social welfare than ever before. Fianna Fáil policy should continue to protect our prosperity and raise still further the living standards of all our people.
Modern Ireland can now offer a bright future to our well-educated children. We in Fianna Fail can be proud that our sustainable economic policies will leave a rich legacy to the next generation.
We must ensure, when returned to Government in the summer, that Ireland continues to play a full part in the global economy, so to ensure continued prosperity for Irish people.
Fianna Fáil in Government will steer a steady course through the ups and downs of the world economy.
A vote for Fianna Fáil is a vote to safeguard the prosperity that we have worked so hard to achieve.
Let us go to the people and ensure that they know that for a vote for Fianna Fáil is a vote for increased employment, sound public finances, a higher standard of living for all of our people.
Go raibh maith agaibh.