Renua Ireland launched its General Election campaign by outlining its red-line issues this afternoon outside Dublin Castle, writes Conor McMorrow of RTÉ’s Political Staff.
Most political parties have their launches in plush election headquarters. Renua Ireland does things differently.
Party leader Lucinda Creighton explained that it was no accident that the party chose Dublin Castle. She said it was because the castle is associated with hosting tribunals and the work of the tribunals was not complete.
The Fine Gael/Labour Coalition promised a "democratic revolution" five years ago. Ms Creighton said that the Government which claimed this revolution had failed to implement the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.
She welcomed the Taoiseach's decision to rule out Independent candidate Michael Lowry as a possible coalition option.
She said, "I was delighted that after 13 opportunities, the Taoiseach finally, ten days later, ruled out going into government with Michael Lowry.
"I think that it is important that there is a party that has been unequivocal from day one and said that they would not do business with somebody who has had such adverse findings against them."
Ms Creighton said the party's objective is to secure a mandate to be a watchdog in government. While the party wants to govern, Ms Creighton said it would not do so at any price.
Ten seats will signify a good election for Renua, said Ms Creighton, who added, "Anything can happen in this campaign".
Among the red-line issues are a three-strikes approach to criminal justice, replacing Cabinet confidentiality "with government in the sunshine", and an investment of €700m per annum "to end Ireland's childcare mess".
Asked how difficult it is for former Fine Gael TDs, who have fought previous campaigns with the machinery and funding of a large party behind them, to contest for a smaller party, Ms Creighton said that nothing from her previous election experiences can match "the enthusiasm, drive and energy I have experienced with our volunteers in Renua".
"We don’t have the vast resources other parties have," she added.
She was very clear that Renua intends to run a positive campaign and "we are not mudslinging".
Her party colleague Terence Flanagan, also a former Fine Gael TD, said "It doesn’t help that Fine Gael is still drawing down money for us as Dáil deputies".
Wicklow TD Billy Timmins says canvassing is so much easier when you are campaigning on policies that you had an input into yourself.
He pointed out that all the major parties "get millions of taxpayers’ money" but said Renua is "more grounded than the main political parties".
He joked, "You don’t see any vol-au-vents and éclairs here!"
As the wind howled past, he added: "All you are getting here are the winds of change."
Cork East candidate Paul Bradford quipped: "Billy is our vol-au-vents spokesperson."
By Conor McMorrow, RTÉ Political Staff
