RENUA IRELAND HAS denied it is actively poaching members of Young Fine Gael, but says members are welcome to make the switch.
A text message sent to a YFG member was posted on Twitter earlier this week as an example of what sources within the organisation are saying is a “campaign” of tapping up members.
Sources say that the party, formed by former members of Fine Gael and led by former junior minister Lucinda Creighton, are offering young members a place on the ticket for the 2019 local elections should they opt to jump ship.
They say that senior members of the party have attempted to arrange meetings with Young Fine Gael members in order to persuade them to join the fledgling party.
To entice them, sources say that promises are being made about potential places on the ticket in the next local elections.
Conservative
Those familiar with the situation also suggest that the members of Young Fine Gael who are being targeted are socially conservative, with many being vocally pro-life.
President of Young Fine Gael Pádraig O’Sullivan says that he is aware of the contacts and says it raises questions about Renua.
“It’s disingenuous. They’re entitled to do it, there’s nothing illegal. But it shows they’re not interested in fostering an interest in politics. It’s not clear what their purpose or remit is.
“I’m more than content that YFG members will stay. If they weren’t happy, they wouldn’t be telling us this stuff. We’re a broad church so I wouldn’t have any major fears.
“But this is not what you want to see from a party starting out in politics.”
However, the notion was swiftly rebuffed by Renua spokesman John Drennan, who told TheJournal.ie that all interested parties were welcome, but nobody was being poached.
“Representatives from parties who have failed to live up to their election manifesto promises are more than welcome to join Renua.
“We are sympathetic to those who are disillusioned with the failings of old politics.”
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