Fianna Fáil

From the time of Fianna Fáil’s foundation, the Party’s aim has been to bring about a sovereign independent country of 32 counties, through fostering friendship between the Unionist and Nationalist communities in Ireland. Much has been done to foster this new friendship since the Good Friday Agreement.

As Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs I not only had responsibility for Foras na Gaeilge on an all-island basis but also The Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch (The Board of Ulster Scots). Through language development, I saw that both traditions can work together and build further respect for the diverse traditions on this island.

Naturally since Fianna Fáil’s foundation, there has also been an emphasis on strengthening Ireland’s economy so that the people of Ireland can have a better standard of living. In the past 84 years, a lot has been achieved but there is more to be done. There is still poverty in the country and people suffering from deprivation. Overall however there has been a huge improvement in the Irish people’s living standards since Fianna Fáil’s foundation and it has been under Fianna Fáil in government that the greatest part of this improvement has taken part.

It has always been a primary aim of Fianna Fáil to promote the Irish language. In the past few years great strides have been taken in this regard including the Official Languages Act (Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003), the founding of the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga and the Draft 20 year Strategy for Irish (Dréacht Straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge).