Fianna Fail national think-in to take place in Tullamore next week
FIANNA Fail's annual national think-in will take place in Tullamore on Monday and Tuesday next, September 8 and 9 next, bringing ministers, TDs, senators and party members from across the country to Offaly for one of the most important events in the political calendar.
Tullamore based Dail Deputy Tony McCormack, who requested that the event be brounal think-in will take place in Tullamore on Monday and Tuesday, September 8 and 9 next, bringing ministers, TDs, senators and party members from across the country to Offaly for one of the most important events in the political calendar.
“I am absolutely delighted that Fianna Fáil’s annual think-in will be held in Tullamore this year. I felt it was important that colleagues from across the country would have the opportunity to experience everything that Offaly has to offer, and I am grateful that the party agreed to bring the event here.”
The annual think-in brings together Fianna Fáil ministers, TDs, senators and party members from across the country to discuss the key issues facing Ireland and to set priorities for the political term ahead. It is one of the most important events in the party calendar and provides an opportunity for representatives to raise the concerns and ambitions of their local communities.
The think-in comes at a particularly important time, as Ireland currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, one of the most influential leadership roles within Europe. During Ireland’s six-month presidency, Irish ministers are chairing meetings and helping to shape policies affecting more than 450 million people across the European Union.
Deputy McCormack said there is a fitting historical connection between Tullamore and Ireland’s role in Europe.
“The decision to bring the think-in to Tullamore is particularly significant given Offaly’s long-standing connection with Europe. During Ireland’s previous EU Presidency in 2004, then Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen hosted an informal meeting of European foreign ministers in Tullamore at a pivotal moment in European history.”
That gathering, held shortly before the largest enlargement in the history of the European Union, brought ministers from the existing member states and from the countries preparing to join the Union to the heart of the Midlands. For several days, Tullamore found itself at the centre of European affairs as decisions were being taken that would shape the future of the continent.
Deputy McCormack said hosting Fianna Fáil’s think-in presents another opportunity to place Offaly firmly on the national stage and to ensure that ministers and colleagues leave with a deeper understanding of the county’s potential.
“One of the reasons I was so keen to bring the think-in to Offaly was to give ministers and colleagues the opportunity to see first-hand the enormous potential that exists across our county. When I am advocating for Offaly and pushing our agenda at national level, it is important that decision-makers understand both the opportunities and the challenges that exist here.”
“I intend to use the opportunity to show colleagues as much of Offaly as time allows. Whether it is our towns and villages, our agricultural sector, our businesses, our tourism potential or the infrastructure challenges we face, I want people to leave Offaly with a much greater appreciation of what this county has to offer and where investment can make a real difference.”
Deputy McCormack said the event will allow Offaly to showcase not only its strengths, but also its ambition for the future.
“Offaly has an enormous amount to offer. We have world-class heritage, vibrant communities, towns and villages, a strong agricultural sector and huge opportunities for future growth. Hosting this event gives us the chance to showcase that potential and ensure that national decision-makers better understand the opportunities and challenges facing our county.”
He added that, at a time when Ireland is leading discussions at European level, it is fitting that one of Fianna Fáil’s most important gatherings will take place in the Midlands.
“This Think-In is about more than politics. It is an opportunity to showcase our people, our communities and our ambitions, while ensuring that ministers and colleagues leave Offaly with a greater understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges we face.
“As someone who is proud to represent this county, I am looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across the country and showing them why Offaly is not only a great place to live and work, but a county with enormous potential for the future.”
While an official date for the think-in has yet to be confirmed, the event is traditionally held in advance of the Dáil returning after the summer recess and ahead of the busy autumn political term and Budget discussions