Speech by Enda Kenny TD, Leader of Fine Gael at the European People’s Party Congress in Rome
Thursday 30th March 2006

“I’m delighted to address this Congress as Leader of the Fine Gael Party. Fine Gael have been active and committed members of the Europe People´s Party for over 30 years, championing European integration, promoting the European ideal, both in government and opposition. And today, I’m proud that FG is the largest Irish party in the European Parliament for the first time ever.

“Europe has been good for Ireland. When we joined 30 years ago, we were the poorest in the Union. Today, we’re the second-richest. Europe was the making of Ireland. Which is why, I believe, we must give something back, strengthen our Union and grow its potential in two key areas:

“Firstly, bringing Europe to the people: Our Aim, Your Europe.

“With the time for reflection after the No vote in France and the Netherlands over, we must re-ignite the public debate in Ireland with a view to reactivating the ratification process. And not just on the Constitution. It’s time to evangelise, explain, answer, persuade, communicate by every means possible, the WHY of Europe to the people – the peoples - it serves.

“We have too much to lose. Too much to gain for our Union, an entity made all the more remarkable in that we built it within such a short time of the possibility of there being no Europe at all. In the Second World War, Europe lost 52 million people. Not statistics. But our families, our neighbours, our friends. From that human wreckage we forged the bonds that bring us here, to Rome, today. That within three generations, peace and stability are now the European quotidian, proves our efforts worth it, our Union a success, our ‘community’ strong.

“Unless we tackle the deficiencies in the functioning of Union, we risk institutional paralysis. But, worse, we risk further alienation of our people. As a first step, I favour adopting many of the practical changes contained in the draft text, improving efficiency and transparency in institutional functions. I believe these changes would be widely supported throughout Europe. As well as enhancing efficiency and transparency, we also need to look for ways to better integrate the foreign policy roles of the Council and the Commission.

“But, that done, the deeper issues of communication, persuasion, belonging, public engagement, remain.

“Our Party members are not immune to how, all over the developed world, the big political gap is no longer between individual parties. In modern democracies, ironically, the big political gap is between the people, their politicians and the political process generally.

“We are the EPP. Now, we must fight and win again the battle for their hearts and minds, for the sake of our Union, our economy, our wealth, and for the sake of the generations, the Europeans to come.

“Secondly, there’s the EU-US relationship, critical to our future prosperity. Ireland has always had a unique relationship with the US - the first and last stop on the Trans-Atlantic journey - for generations providing the immigrant labour that built America. Already, my predecessor as Fine Gael Leader, John Bruton, as EU Ambassador to Washington, is doing an excellent job in promoting Europe throughout America.

“I want Ireland to use its unique position to play a lead role in developing the modern Trans-Atlantic relationship. That’s why Fine Gael has proposed the establishment of a Trans-Atlantic Foundation in Ireland which would become the catalyst for new political, economic and cultural initiatives between our two, great trading blocs.

“This will help to create a real Europe of opportunity in which all our people can share in the huge potential of our great continent.

“To end, let me say that within the year, Ireland goes to the polls. Right now, all current trends show Fine Gael in a strong position to lead the next Irish government. I would be deeply grateful for the continued support and solidarity of our sister parties as we prepare for this vital election. In turn, I promise that Fine Gael will continue to play an active, committed role in promoting Europe, communicating Europe, persuading Europe. And supporting, loyally - always - our friends in the European People´s Party.”