Here is what happened at the Fianna Fáil think-in held in Tipperary this week

Members of Fianna Fáil descended on the Horse and Jockey for the party’s think-in this week. The mood was defiant, sometimes combative, but by at least some accounts, productive.

Greeted by farmers protesting new nitrate levels and delayed payments, the first day started out in unscheduled talks with some of the party’s core voters.

One protester shouted: “We will see you at the next election.”

Which is of course the cloud that looms over the Fianna Fáil party at this year’s think-in.

Following the unscheduled talks with the IFA, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin, along with other members including Minister for

Finance Michael McGrath and Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill met with the press.

Tánaiste Martin told the press that some of the party’s priorities are housing, climate, education and the continued expansion of health services.

He spoke about ‘future proofing’ capital and reducing some of the challenges for young people. But Sinn Féin, it appears, is one of the main topics on Fianna Fáil’s mind.

The Tánaiste accused the press of ‘cheerleading’ Sinn Féin and Sinn Féin of ‘infecting’ the minds of Ireland’s youth.

Although, he did later clarify that he was referring to Sinn Féin’s past. He also accused them of being ‘anti-enterprise’ and “anti-EU”.

When asked about future coalition prospects the Tainiste said he thought there were ‘huge incompatibilities and that Sinn Féin do not want to go into Government with them.

But didn’t categorically rule it out. When asked how many TDs he expects to lose before the general election, the Tánaiste said his focus was on the local and European elections.

And to that, he was optimistic.

“I’ve always been of the view that the last few local elections have been good for Fianna Fáil.

“I’m looking forward to the next local election with a view of doing two things. One, try to maintain the position we have in terms of numbers of seats and two, add new candidates as well,” said the Tánaiste.

On the agenda for the first day was budget priorities, education, transport, climate and preparation for the local elections. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly met with the press in the afternoon.

He announced the expansion of the GP visit card and took questions along with the Minister for State with responsibility for mental health and older people, Mary Butler.

Ms Butler announced the establishment of a youth mental health office.

The second day started with a press briefing from Minister McGrath, who discussed the party’s thinking on the budget and energy price cuts.

He also touched on Fianna Fáil’s identity going into the next seasons of elections as an ‘independent party’ outside of the coalition.

Later a briefing from Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien, who said around 400 people a week are buying their own homes.

He said the will be focusing on expanding the existing schemes, which he said have been a help to those caught in a “rent trap.” The think-in topics of the day were housing and the future of media.

The Tánaiste concluded the two-day event with closing remarks to the media. He finished as he began… with fighting talk.