Fine Gael

Fine Gael (IPA {{IPA|}} in English and {{IPA|}} in Irish, approximate English translation: Family of the Irish) is the second largest political party in both the Republic of Ireland and Ireland as a whole. It was founded on 3 September 1933 following the merger of Cumann na nGaedheal, the Centre Party and the Blueshirts (National Guard) though it traces its origins back to the struggle for Irish independence and the pro-Treaty side in the Irish Civil War, identified in particular with Michael Collins. Fine Gael today describes itself as a party of the progressive centre though, in many ways, the party complies with the model of the mainland European christian democratic parties. They are strongly pro-EU integration and opposed to militant Irish republicanism, advocating a more pluralist brand of Irish Nationalism. It is the sole party in the Republic of Ireland to be aligned with the European People's Party in the European Parliament. Today, the party claims a membership of over 34,000.

Related Topics:
IPA - English - Irish - Republic of Ireland - Ireland - 3 September - 1933 - Cumann na nGaedheal - Centre Party - Blueshirts - Irish Civil War - Michael Collins - Christian democratic - European People's Party - European Parliament

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