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.

Public Representatives

Notable Teachtaí Dála are

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• John Bruton - Former Taoiseach
• Garret Fitzgerald - Former Taoiseach

For a list of Fine Gael Teachtaí Dála and MEPs, past and present see List of Irish politicians

Related Topics:
Teachtaí Dála - MEP - List of Irish politicians

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Changes since the 2002 General Election

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Liam Twomey, elected as an Independent for Wexford, joined the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party in September 2004.

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John Bruton resigned his Dáil seat in November 2004 to become EU Ambassador to the US, and was replaced in the March 2005 by-election by Shane McEntee, also from Fine Gael.

Related Topics:
John Bruton - Shane McEntee

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