A grassroots Fine Gael group is pushing headquarters to formally define the party as a “centre-right party, in the European Christian Democratic tradition” ahead of the upcoming Ardfheis in Cork, The Irish Times reported. The draft motion seeks to distance the organization from what backers term the “woke left.”
Grassroots Motion Seeks Centre-Right Affirmation
Party branches and constituency organizations submitted the draft motion for consideration at the upcoming Fine Gael Ardfheis, scheduled for November 7th and 8th at University College Cork. Economists and columnists, including David Higgins, helped circulate a supporting document among members, arguing that the party needs to debate whether its current “progressive centre” label fits modern politics.
“The word ‘progressive’ is now tainted by association with the woke left and most voters already perceive Fine Gael to be on the right,” Higgins told The Irish Times. The motion’s proponents view the centre-right label as an ideological bulwark against the far right and populism.
Voter Perception and Ideological Debate
A study by An Coimisiún Toghcháin cited in the supporting document shows that 32 per cent of Irish voters consider themselves centre-right, compared to 27 per cent who place themselves on the centre-left. 55 per cent of voters perceive Fine Gael as centre-right, while only 15 per cent view the party on the left.
The document frames Christian Democracy as an established European tradition centred on social justice and community. However, some Fine Gael TDs have expressed reservations. These lawmakers question whether Irish voters are familiar enough with Christian Democracy and whether the party brand might dilute through overt alignment with a political persuasion more commonly recognized in countries like Germany.
Ardfheis Agenda and Party Response
A Fine Gael spokesperson stated that headquarters received more than 440 motions from across the country for the two-day event, which features at least 20 policy sessions. “It is simply not possible, nor feasible, to debate this amount of motions,” the spokesperson said, adding that a subcommittee overseen by the executive council is currently working on the final list.
The final agenda for the Ardfheis at University College Cork will be published next week.
Related reading