{"id":23042,"date":"2021-09-10T14:19:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-10T18:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=23042"},"modified":"2021-09-12T10:22:19","modified_gmt":"2021-09-12T14:22:19","slug":"taoiseach-welcomes-unity-within-fianna-fail-after-cavan-think-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=23042","title":{"rendered":"Taoiseach Welcomes Unity Within Fianna F\u00e1il After Cavan ‘Think-In’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin (PA Wire\/PA Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Miche\u00e1l Martin has insisted Fianna F\u00e1il is united in its \u201cpurpose and objectives\u201d following its think-in in Co Cavan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Taoiseach said his party had had an \u201chonest meeting\u201d over the last two days, during which internal opponents of Mr Martin made clear their dissatisfaction with Fianna F\u00e1il\u2019s recent electoral performance and future prospects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asked on Friday if the party is united, the leader said: \u201cThere would be something wrong if there was unanimity of perspective and views.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But he insisted the party is united \u201cin terms of purpose and objectives and in terms of what the party wants to do\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Taoiseach said they will \u201cget moving\u201d on the recommendations set out in the report into its performance at the recent general and European elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking as the think-in came to an end, Mr Martin said: \u201cWe\u2019ve had a very good open and honest meeting. It was lengthy because I think members got the opportunity to speak fully and comprehensively on their views, on the last election, where the party is, on what we can advance and grow the party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat was very clear is there is a collective willingness to work together on a unified basis, to get moving on the recommendations on the report and take the challenges whilst in Government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHistorically, there has always been that challenge while in government, parallel to looking after the party as well as promoting the party, and I think that will take significant skillset from us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat is something we have to focus on, and as leader of the party, and also take on board the number of views that were articulated and make sure that we are very inclusive with the way forward and developing the party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCritically, the party is there as a vehicle for the people of Ireland, to work for the people of Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A long closed-door session of the parliamentary party ended at 11.30pm on Thursday, before resuming on Friday morning as TDs and senators continued to discuss the party\u2019s fortunes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During Thursday\u2019s meeting, former minister Barry Cowen and senior TD Jim O\u2019Callaghan were among those criticizing the party\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving the talks, one senior Fianna F\u00e1il figure said there had been some \u201cpassionate\u201d speeches, but described the meeting as largely positive.<\/p>\n

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