Senator and Young Fine Gael member Maura Hopkins has hailed last weekend’s Young Fine Gael Conference in Ballinasloe as a major success.
Picture Credit: Gerry Stronge Photography
Over 250 delegates from across the country as well as the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice & Equality Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar, Minister for Health Simon Harris, Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Helen McEntee, Mairead McGuinness MEP as well as other TD’s, Senators and local representatives gathered in Ballinasloe for the 3 day event.
Members elected a new National Executive panel with Tipperary native Marian O’Donnell elected as President for the next term.
This year’s conference marked the 40th anniversary of the founding of Young Fine Gael by Garret Fitzgerald in 1977 and the theme was “Advancing the Vision”.
Young Fine Gael members discussed many issues over the weekend including issues including supports for young farmers, the protection of CAP payments in the wake of Brexit, the inclusion of Home Economics as a mandatory subject at Junior Cert level, increased support for young teachers and nurses and the future of third level education.
Speaking earlier Senator Maura Hopkins said
“We in Roscommon-Galway Young Fine Gael were immensely proud to be able to host the National Conference in Ballinasloe and I am delighted that the event was so successful. The opportunity to have both the leader and deputy-leader of our country visit the town was excellent and I strongly emphasised to them the strengths and opportunities that exist in Ballinasloe and surrounding area and the supports required. The event itself was a great success with both the Shearwater Hotel, Gullanes Hotel and many guesthouses and B&B’s fully booked out for the weekend.”
Senator Hopkins concluded, “I want to thank the people of Ballinasloe most sincerely for the warm hospitality they provided during the weekend. Many in attendance commented what a great destination Ballinasloe was for the event.”