A Political and Economic Dictionary of Western Europe, First Edition
Fine Gael (FG) is one of the two main centrist parties in the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1933, it represents those citizens who during the civil war which followed independence from the United Kingdom in 1921–22 accepted the division of Ireland. Today the party still accepts the division of Ireland and does not campaign for unification of the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland. It promotes neo-liberal economic and welfare policy and has a liberal Catholic stance on social issues such as divorce and abortion.
The FG has traditionally alternated in government with Fianna Fáil (FF), but has always formed coalitions with the Labour Party. Most recently the FG governed in 1995–97 in a coalition with the Labour Party and the Democratic Left under the leadership of John Bruton. Although the FG increased its vote in the 1997 elections, it was forced into opposition on account of the drop in support for its left-wing coalition partners. FG currently has 31 seats in the 166-seat Dáil Éireann which was elected on 17 May 2002.
Party Leader: Enda Kenny
Address: 51 Upper Mount St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: (0)1 6198444
Fax: (0)1 6625046
E-mail: finegael@finegael.ie
Internet: www.finegael.ie
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