Enda Kenny - New plans

blues2

Enda Kenny annouched new plan if FG get into power.

Would they have the nerve, determination and ability to change the health system to something similar to the Dutch health care system and reform the Oireachtas by abolishing the Seanad and reducing the Dáil by 20 TDs?

Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/kenny-sets-out-plan-to-revive-economy-477086.html#ixzz11u7s75Hw

"Enda Kenny tonight set out how a Fine Gael Government would tackle the spiralling national deficit and revive the Irish economy.

The party leader and president told faithful that tax hikes and spending cuts would not alone bring down the debt as he set out a series of pro-business proposals that he hopes will deliver a General Election victory.

At the heart of the plan is an €18bn investment stimulus in targeted areas of the economy - such as high speed broadband, clean energy and water - that he claimed would create 100,000 jobs.

A guarantee scheme for small business loans and a pledge not to raise corporation tax were also among the policies Mr Kenny outlined to guests at the Fine Gael Annual Presidents Dinner in Dublin.

Other key measures included the adoption of the Dutch health care system and a vow to reform the Oireachtas with a referendum - one year after taking office - on abolishing the Seanad and reducing the Dáil by 20 TDs.

"When the Irish people give a new Government a new mandate, the natural energy, optimism and ideas of the Irish people will be unleashed. Set free. Liberated from the strangle hold of despair created by the current Government's failings," said Mr Kenny.

"Fine Gael wants to seek that mandate, that permission from the people. We want to put the case of the party I have the honour to lead to the people. Let me confirm to you tonight that Fine Gael has done the hard work and is now ready to lead the way in restoring our country's fortunes.

"We have people who will lead. We have a team that will not lie down in the face of this challenge. And most crucially - we have the plans."

Mr Kenny said his party could cut the budget deficit to 3% by 2014.

"But, let me be clear," he added.

"We will achieve these budgetary targets not just through the usual spending and tax measures but by supporting economic growth and job creation.

"We know we cannot tax our way to economic recovery or health in the public finances."

The party leader also vowed to protect jobs.

"It seems to have escaped the notice of those in government today that we will never fix our financial crisis if we don't grow our economy and fix our jobs crisis," he said.

Mr Kenny said he would adopt a continental approach to health care that would cut waiting lists and make sure that insurance is affordable for everyone.

"This will mean people will get access to care on the basis of need rather than wealth," he said.

"This new approach is based on the world famous Dutch system of healthcare. It has worked there, it can work here too."

Mr Kenny said Black Thursday - when the scale of the debt was revealed - should not be seen as an end but as a beginning.

"A day when the Irish people braced themselves for a fight, took a deep breath and said; never again," he added.

"I stand tonight with those true Irish patriots. I too say, never again. From this day forward let us stand together as a people and rebuild our country. Our banks, our public services, our economy and our politics all need a new start. It is a massive undertaking. The struggle will be long, our opponents many and the challenges diverse.

"But the prize is worth fighting for. A country to be proud of. One that protects its vulnerable. Rewards hard work and effort. Treats all with dignity and respect. Cherishes our young and invests for our shared future. And one that prizes community ahead of economy while recognising we need to nurture both. That is a country worth fighting for."

Shea O'Meara

Abolishing the Seanad is a great idea. I some how don't think any government will find it an easy task though.
As for if have the nerve, determination and ability to make any promised changes? Well I like to give people the benefit of the doubt that they'll be true to their word...but I did give the Greens a vote last time:(

Manach

Abolishing the seanad would be a difficult constituational issue because references to it and its roles are intertwined in a number of sections with the Bunreacht. Offhand, making it more powerful to reflect a true bicameral system such as the US would have the drawback of empowering more politicians?

the groutch

they needed something like this to disassociate themsleves from FF, too many people were starting to see them as "same policies, just different party"

Callan57

Finally I see a tiny glimmer of hope for this country

jimmycrackcorm

Enda Kenny reminds me of pat Kenny on the late show. He doesn't suit where he is but would be great in as political position equivalent to the frontline

meditraitor

blues2 wrote: »

At the heart of the plan is an €18bn investment stimulus in targeted areas of the economy - such as high speed broadband, clean energy and water - that he claimed would create 100,000 jobs.

Great plan but very little substance....... we dont have 18bn.

gonedrinking

His "plan" is very wishy washy and vague, and no mention of where cuts will be made.

jimmycrackcorm

Callan57 wrote: »

Finally I see a tiny glimmer of hope for this country

A glimmer is the equivalent if paying a fiber of the Anglo debt

Einhard

I think it's a tad unfair to expect the opposition to publish detailed expenditure cuts, the only consequences of which will be to hit them in the polls.

Shea O'Meara

gonedrinking wrote: »

His "plan" is very wishy washy and vague, and no mention of where cuts will be made.

All of the parties announcements are usually so. It's more bullet points rather than, 'If I could bring your attention to section 5, subsection B' as the media may miss the key points they are trying to get across.

Sounds promising to me and nice to have an idea of their plans. I hope Labour and the others shortly follow suit.

mayo_lad

meditraitor wrote: »

Great plan but very little substance....... we dont have 18bn.

the 18bn is coming from these areas

New Financing: In addition to the sale of old, non-strategic State assets,
NewERA will be financed through: 1) New commercial borrowing by key semi-
State companies, which will not count as Government expenditure; 2) Funding
from the European Investment Bank (EIB); 3) An injection of funds from the
National Pension Reserve Fund; and 4) A NewERA Recovery Bond which will
be offered to the Irish people.

there is a link to the full document below

http://www.finegael.ie/upload/NewERA2010.pdf

ei.sdraob

mayo_lad wrote: »

the 18bn is coming from these areas

by the time FG come into power (if they do that is) there wont be much of the pension's reserve piggy bank left

Owen

I read Enda's quotes in my mind with an Enda voice. Monotone, boring, and imagined him doing his usual shifty looking out the side of his eyes at the camera. I'll end up voting FG as I always do, but jesus Enda needs to go. He's the Pat Kenny of Politics, and no matter how good a proposal he brings to the table, he'll always cost FG their potential.

johngalway

Some of these replies are so very Irish.

We hate the Government, but Jesus that other lad is a bore even though his lot might have some good ideas that may work.

Pull the bloody fingers out. This tune is old and boring.

The plans should be the important part, not who's announcing them. I could care less if he sends me to sleep as long as he starts getting the country back on the correct road and responsibly governed.

Coillte_Bhoy

Abolishing the Seanad and cutting the number of TD's by 20 is not political reform, just populist posturing.

hmmm

blues2 wrote: »

At the heart of the plan is an €18bn investment stimulus in targeted areas of the economy - such as high speed broadband, clean energy and water - that he claimed would create 100,000 jobs.

18 billion and we only get 100,000 jobs out of it?

Other key measures included the adoption of the Dutch health care system and a vow to reform the Oireachtas with a referendum - one year after taking office - on abolishing the Seanad and reducing the Dáil by 20 TDs.

Faffing around the edges, halve the size of the Dail for a start.

"We will achieve these budgetary targets not just through the usual spending and tax measures but by supporting economic growth and job creation.

He thinks growth alone will close a 20bn hole in 4 years? What?

Mr Kenny said he would adopt a continental approach to health care that would cut waiting lists and make sure that insurance is affordable for everyone.

Sounds good, but we've been hearing this same idea for years.

"I stand tonight with those true Irish patriots. I too say, never again. From this day forward let us stand together as a people and rebuild our country. Our banks, our public services, our economy and our politics all need a new start. It is a massive undertaking. The struggle will be long, our opponents many and the challenges diverse.

What does that even mean? Who does he think he is talking to with this grandiose verbiage and does he realise how ridiculous it makes him sound?

Callan57

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Abolishing the Seanad and cutting the number of TD's by 20 is not political reform, just populist posturing.

Possibly but at least it does show an intent to tackle from the top down the nonsensical bloated and overpaid public service.

ei.sdraob

hmmm wrote: »

18 billion and we only get 100,000 jobs out of it?

That not too bad considering we spend 22 billion a year on all sorts of welfare schemes, of which unemployment benefit for the recently unemployed is not the largest part.

johngalway

Reform and accountability is badly needed in Ireland. Massive, effective reform of all public services. Justice system, Gardai, HSE, Prisons, Transport, County Councils, the lot.

People in this forum bitch constantly about so called "Parish Pump Politics".

Ever stop and wonder why it exists? Why exactly does Joe down the road go to his TD to get that pothole fixed? It's the councils job, ISN'T IT?

Because none of the services work properly. Over regulation to the point of apathy and jobsworthness in every day aspects. Pathetically weak regulation in important sectors (Don't mention the B word).

The only answer FF ever had to a problem is to throw money at it. Makes eff all use when the system doesn't work, all you end up with is a bigger bill, bloated system and twats who know they can't be fired for being those same jobsworths.

:mad:

flutered

is it because he is offering change that he is being riddiculed, i do not like him as a leader, its like watching wood warp, BUT something other than the usual is being put on the plate, can we not taste it before knocking it, can we at least try it, before knocking it, my country has been systmatically raped for yonks, i wish to see reform before i die, will i ?.

oppenheimer1

mayo_lad wrote: »

the 18bn is coming from these areas
there is a link to the full document below

New Financing: In addition to the sale of old, non-strategic State assets,
NewERA will be financed through: 1) New commercial borrowing by key semi-
State companies, which will not count as Government expenditure; 2) Funding
from the European Investment Bank (EIB); 3) An injection of funds from the
National Pension Reserve Fund; and 4) A NewERA Recovery Bond which will
be offered to the Irish people.

http://www.finegael.ie/upload/NewERA2010.pdf

What does fine gael consider a non-strategic state asset? Would it be power plants? Water Infrastructure? The road network? The airports? Rail? The postal system? Eill people be prepared to pay a higher amount for these services being provided by for-profit enterprises. The thatcherite policies in Britain are still resented by many.

Commercial borrowing by completely state owned semi-states is defacto government borrowing and investors will see through it.

Borrowing from the european investment bank is still borrowing and still attracts an interest payment.

The pension reserve fund is not for spending but is meant to generate revenues through sovereign investments. Spending the capital reduces the return in the future when we need our investments to pay for an aging population.

A newERA government bond will A) Generate very little money, at most in the hundreds of millions and thats being optimistic. All one has to do is look around this forum to see people moving savings offshore because they lack faith in the government, why would they buy this bond? Even then it is still borrowing, it attracts an interest payment and is considered part of the national debt

murphaph

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Abolishing the Seanad and cutting the number of TD's by 20 is not political reform, just populist posturing.

How can you say that abolishing the uppe house (of leeches and wasters) is not political reform? It's a ludicrous statement to claim that a move from a bicamerla to a unicameral legislature is not serious political reform!

It is a first step and coupled with a reduction of 20 TDs and the introduction of partial lists (another 20 members I believe) it will significantly alter Dail business. Once a list system is introduced it will only grow and hopefully eventually fully replace the god awful single transferable vote.

FG will be getting my vote anyway, Enda Kenny or not.

oppenheimer1

murphaph wrote: »

How can you say that abolishing the uppe house (of leeches and wasters) is not political reform? It's a ludicrous statement to claim that a move from a bicamerla to a unicameral legislature is not serious political reform!

It is a first step and coupled with a reduction of 20 TDs and the introduction of partial lists (another 20 members I believe) it will significantly alter Dail business. Once a list system is introduced it will only grow and hopefully eventually fully replace the god awful single transferable vote.

FG will be getting my vote anyway, Enda Kenny or not.

The list system will only serve to prevent people voting out people they don't like. Its a major flaw of this idea.

murphaph

oppenheimer1 wrote: »

The list system will only serve to prevent people voting out people they don't like. Its a major flaw of this idea.

A major flaw of the list or a major flaw of FG's version of the list?

There are only 2 countries in the whole world that use our system for elections to their national parliaments. Us and Malta. It is a system we adopted to try to reconcile the differences of civil war politics. It was chosen for this reason to be used to elect members to the NI assembly. It has no business being used in a mature nation state. It is one of the most damaging things in Ireland in 2010...people simply don't realise it. Politicians in Dail Eireann have had their eye off the national ball because they are playing the prstv game which promotes local competition between TDs to be sen to be doing a great job.

This MUST change. It serves nobody but the politicians themselves.

Coillte_Bhoy

murphaph wrote: »

How can you say that abolishing the uppe house (of leeches and wasters) is not political reform? It's a ludicrous statement to claim that a move from a bicamerla to a unicameral legislature is not serious political reform!

How is this serious? So what practical benefits do you see this bringing?? In reality the Seanad is largely powerless anyway. IMO it is a purely populist move and iirc it was advocted by Kenny without any intrenal party discussion.

murphaph wrote: »

It is a first step and coupled with a reduction of 20 TDs and the introduction of partial lists (another 20 members I believe) it will significantly alter Dail business. Once a list system is introduced it will only grow and hopefully eventually fully replace the god awful single transferable vote.

Have FG not dropped this proposal for a list system?

kraggy

What electoral system do they have in Britain? First past the post?

And which electoral system should Ireland have if not Pr? How could we ensure that our TDs work on national issues instead of medical cards and potholes?

Amhran Nua

kraggy wrote: »

And which electoral system should Ireland have if not Pr? How could we ensure that our TDs work on national issues instead of medical cards and potholes?

The list system is PR, if someone has to vote for a party rather than a politician, it focuses their minds on the national issues, in other words the party policies. The PR STV system is a blight. You need to balance that out by strengthening the local councils however, councillors at the moment can't do much.

Amhran Nua

blues2 wrote: »

"It seems to have escaped the notice of those in government today that we will never fix our financial crisis if we don't grow our economy and fix our jobs crisis," he said.

Probably the single most important line in the speech.

dlofnep

I'm not a fan of their healthcare proposals. They've never actually explained "how" they are going to mimic the Dutch Healthcare system.

murphaph

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

How is this serious? So what practical benefits do you see this bringing?? In reality the Seanad is largely powerless anyway. IMO it is a purely populist move and iirc it was advocted by Kenny without any intrenal party discussion.

Do you believe the Seanad serves a useful purpose? (I presume not as you claimed it was powerless). Given it is a useless part of our legislature, shouldn't we abolish it purely on financial grounds alone?

Anyway, Kenny is party leader. It's his prerogative to push policy. If FG don't like him being forceful then they can remove him!

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Have FG not dropped this proposal for a list system?

Not that I know of.

maynooth_rules

I'll be voting for Fine Gael anyway. I like the policies they put forward and I think they have some very impressive TDs, and unlike FF, their fingerprints are not all over the economic mess we find ourselves in, and they are not rotten with corruption like some . Whether Enda Kenny is leader or not is not an important issue for me. Their policies and the talent they have on the front bench are the important issues for me

johngalway

kraggy wrote: »

How could we ensure that our TDs work on national issues instead of medical cards and potholes?

Only by reforming the services we have at the moment. Lobbying works because political pressure works because the way the "little people" get treated in the "system", doesn't work. Nasty little circle we've developed. IMO.

Laminations

One area of duplication of services that I heard Bruton say they'd tackle were the various agencies that conduct means tests for the various social welfare payments and benefits. One central body would instead conduct means tests and circulate your information to whatever department/agency you are applying through. FG do have some very good policies, they really need to go on a media and door to door campaign to promote them.

femur61

Myself and my husband are floating voters, but Enda, Enda, Enda. I would find it hard to vote for Enda mainly due to the fact that he is blatantly ignoring the polls that he is extremely unpopular. Would he be so arrogant when in power not to listen then either to the public wishes and ignore us then as well.

Laminations

femur61 wrote: »

Myself and my husband are floating voters, but Enda, Enda, Enda. I would find it hard to vote for Enda mainly due to the fact that he is blatantly ignoring the polls that he is extremely unpopular. Would he be so arrogant when in power not to listen then either to the public wishes and ignore us then as well.

Are you in endas constituency? Otherwise you wouldn't be voting for enda, you'd be voting for a FG candidate standing for FG policy. So either the candidate can put you off or the party policy/record can put you off, enda shouldn't come into it

maynooth_rules

femur61 wrote: »

Myself and my husband are floating voters, but Enda, Enda, Enda. I would find it hard to vote for Enda mainly due to the fact that he is blatantly ignoring the polls that he is extremely unpopular. Would he be so arrogant when in power not to listen then either to the public wishes and ignore us then as well.

But are you not placing too much importance on an individual there. This is not the American presidency race. I really think many people are placing too much emphasis on the leader of the party. Judge the party as whole. Just my opinion though.

unit 1

maynooth_rules wrote: »

I'll be voting for Fine Gael anyway. I like the policies they put forward and I think they have some very impressive TDs, and unlike FF, their fingerprints are not all over the economic mess we find ourselves in, and they are not rotten with corruption like some . Whether Enda Kenny is leader or not is not an important issue for me. Their policies and the talent they have on the front bench are the important issues for me

This is the very reason why people should ignore the media driven frenzy to oust Kenny, and ignore their personality driven spin against him. One only had to see the expression on Fionan Sheehans face the other night on Vincent Brown, when he seemed to think that "this looks like the end" to appreciate their detestation of him, why?, because he is not another clone of populist Gilmore who will surely be found out when the heat of a GE puts him and labour under the microscope.

Callan57

johngalway wrote: »

Only by reforming the services we have at the moment. Lobbying works because political pressure works because the way the "little people" get treated in the "system", doesn't work. Nasty little circle we've developed. IMO.

Lobbying works because TD's & Councillors have a vested interest in making it as difficult as possible for people to access their entitlements ... that way the TD or councillor can ride in & solve the problem - happy constituent & hopefully No1 next time round. That's the system we have allowed develope entirely for the benefit of the politicians.

Thomas Bateman

blues2 wrote: »

Enda Kenny annouched new plan if FG get into power.

Would they have the nerve, determination and ability to change the health system to something similar to the Dutch health care system and reform the Oireachtas by abolishing the Seanad and reducing the Dáil by 20 TDs?

Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/kenny-sets-out-plan-to-revive-economy-477086.html#ixzz11u7s75Hw

"Enda Kenny tonight set out how a Fine Gael Government would tackle the spiralling national deficit and revive the Irish economy.

The party leader and president told faithful that tax hikes and spending cuts would not alone bring down the debt as he set out a series of pro-business proposals that he hopes will deliver a General Election victory.

At the heart of the plan is an €18bn investment stimulus in targeted areas of the economy - such as high speed broadband, clean energy and water - that he claimed would create 100,000 jobs.

A guarantee scheme for small business loans and a pledge not to raise corporation tax were also among the policies Mr Kenny outlined to guests at the Fine Gael Annual Presidents Dinner in Dublin.

Other key measures included the adoption of the Dutch health care system and a vow to reform the Oireachtas with a referendum - one year after taking office - on abolishing the Seanad and reducing the Dáil by 20 TDs.

"When the Irish people give a new Government a new mandate, the natural energy, optimism and ideas of the Irish people will be unleashed. Set free. Liberated from the strangle hold of despair created by the current Government's failings," said Mr Kenny.

"Fine Gael wants to seek that mandate, that permission from the people. We want to put the case of the party I have the honour to lead to the people. Let me confirm to you tonight that Fine Gael has done the hard work and is now ready to lead the way in restoring our country's fortunes.

"We have people who will lead. We have a team that will not lie down in the face of this challenge. And most crucially - we have the plans."

Mr Kenny said his party could cut the budget deficit to 3% by 2014.

"But, let me be clear," he added.

"We will achieve these budgetary targets not just through the usual spending and tax measures but by supporting economic growth and job creation.

"We know we cannot tax our way to economic recovery or health in the public finances."

The party leader also vowed to protect jobs.

"It seems to have escaped the notice of those in government today that we will never fix our financial crisis if we don't grow our economy and fix our jobs crisis," he said.

Mr Kenny said he would adopt a continental approach to health care that would cut waiting lists and make sure that insurance is affordable for everyone.

"This will mean people will get access to care on the basis of need rather than wealth," he said.

"This new approach is based on the world famous Dutch system of healthcare. It has worked there, it can work here too."

Mr Kenny said Black Thursday - when the scale of the debt was revealed - should not be seen as an end but as a beginning.

"A day when the Irish people braced themselves for a fight, took a deep breath and said; never again," he added.

"I stand tonight with those true Irish patriots. I too say, never again. From this day forward let us stand together as a people and rebuild our country. Our banks, our public services, our economy and our politics all need a new start. It is a massive undertaking. The struggle will be long, our opponents many and the challenges diverse.

"But the prize is worth fighting for. A country to be proud of. One that protects its vulnerable. Rewards hard work and effort. Treats all with dignity and respect. Cherishes our young and invests for our shared future. And one that prizes community ahead of economy while recognising we need to nurture both. That is a country worth fighting for."

So you get rid of Fianna Fail, then your stuck with Fianna Gael. We shouldnt listen to a word Enda is saying, its just trickery to gain power. What the country needs is a full blown revolution, and to overthrow the gombeen tweedle-di, tweedle-dum power structure for good.

Hard luck Enda, your foolery will not fool the electorate this time.

zootroid

Thomas Bateman wrote: »

So you get rid of Fianna Fail, then your stuck with Fianna Gael.

You mean Fine Gael?

We shouldnt listen to a word Enda is saying, its just trickery to gain power.

What is your basis for saying that?
He has stated he wants to be Taoiseach. He has outlined policies him and his party think will improve the situation the country is facing. He is hoping the electorate agree with him, and allow him to implement those policies. Hardly underhand dealings, is it?

What the country needs is a full blown revolution, and to overthrow the gombeen tweedle-di, tweedle-dum power structure for good.

And replace it with what?

Hard luck Enda, your foolery will not fool the electorate this time.

You mean like Fianna Fail in the last few years, buying elections with generous budgets, and salary increases for the public sector?

I'm not a fan of Enda, but at least argue against his policies, rather than coming up with an ill-thought out rant about how he is trying to "fool the electorate".

Amhran Nua

zootroid wrote: »

He has stated he wants to be Taoiseach. He has outlined policies him and his party think will improve the situation the country is facing. He is hoping the electorate agree with him, and allow him to implement those policies. Hardly underhand dealings, is it?

What might help would be some ironclad promises, like he will implement such and such a policy by a certain date or he will step down. I know thats a political razor's edge, but people have been lied to far too often to accept anything less. I am encouraged by some of the statements made however, although the policies need more definition and frankly some fresh concepts in those details.

femur61

maynooth_rules wrote: »

But are you not placing too much importance on an individual there. QUOTE]

If you read my post again I explained why I'd not vote for Enda/FG is not because he is a bore, but because he doesn't listen to the public. The public want him gone as leader but does he do the honourable thing, no, plods on.

johngalway

Callan57 wrote: »

Lobbying works because TD's & Councillors have a vested interest in making it as difficult as possible for people to access their entitlements ... that way the TD or councillor can ride in & solve the problem - happy constituent & hopefully No1 next time round. That's the system we have allowed develope entirely for the benefit of the politicians.

Either way it means the same thing, reforming public services so they're not political playthings. The result of which stops political interference and frees more actual "law making" time.

Reforming the Daíl alone but allowing the public services to be "played with" will result in us getting back to square one again in short order.

bijapos

maynooth_rules wrote: »

...and unlike FF, their fingerprints are not all over the economic mess we find ourselves in, and they are not rotten with corruption like some .

I beg to differ. Their fingerprints are on every rezoning including the dodgy and unsustainable ones that contributed in a major way to the boom-bust economy that we developed over the psrt 15 years.

btw whats your definition of "rotten with corruption". In Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown their record of donations from dodgy developers and the associated lies and bull is appaling. They certainly have issues and fail to deal with them.