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.

Leaders

• General Eoin O'Duffy (1933-34)
• William T. Cosgrave, TD (former President of the Executive Council (prime minister) from 1922-1932) served as parliamentary leader between 1933 and 1934.
• William T. Cosgrave, TD (1934-44)
• General Richard Mulcahy, TD (1944-59)
• John A. Costello, TD served as parliamentary leader between 1948 and 1959, and Taoiseach from 1948 to 1951, and 1954 to 1957.
• James Dillon, TD (1959-65)
• Liam Cosgrave, TD (1965-77), Taoiseach from 1973 to 1977
• Garret FitzGerald, TD (1977-87), Taoiseach from 1981 to 1982, and 1982 to 1987.
• Alan Dukes, TD (1987-90)
• John Bruton, TD (1990-2001), Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997.
• Michael Noonan, TD (2001-2002)
• Enda Kenny, TD (2002 - present)

The leader also serves as the President of the party

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