Fine Gael facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fine Gael
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|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Leader | Simon Harris |
| General Secretary | John Carroll |
| Deputy leader | Helen McEntee |
| Chairperson | Alan Farrell |
| Seanad leader | Seán Kyne |
| Founders | |
| Founded | 8 September 1933 |
| Merger of |
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| Headquarters | 51 Mount Street Upper, Dublin, Ireland |
| Youth wing | Young Fine Gael |
| LGBT wing | Fine Gael LGBT |
| Membership (2020) |  25,000 |
| Ideology |
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| Political position | Centre-right |
| European affiliation | European People's Party |
| International affiliation | Centrist Democrat International |
| European Parliament group | European People's Party Group |
| Colours |
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| Dáil Éireann |
38 / 174
|
| Seanad Éireann |
11 / 60
|
| European Parliament |
4 / 14
|
| Local government |
246 / 949
|
Fine Gael (pronounced "Feen na Gale") is a major political party in Ireland. The name means "Family (or Tribe) of the Irish." It is considered a centre-right party, which means its ideas are generally more traditional. Fine Gael is currently the third-largest party in Ireland based on the number of members it has in Dáil Éireann, which is like Ireland's main parliament.
The party had about 25,000 members in 2021. Simon Harris became the leader of Fine Gael on March 24, 2024, taking over from Leo Varadkar.
How Fine Gael Started
Fine Gael was created on September 8, 1933. It was formed when three groups joined together:
- Cumann na nGaedheal (its main parent party)
- The National Centre Party
- The Blueshirts (also known as the Army Comrades Association)
The party's roots go back to Ireland's fight for independence and the Irish Civil War. Fine Gael sees itself as carrying on the ideas of Michael Collins, an important figure in Irish history. In its early years, the party was often called Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party.
What Fine Gael Believes In
Fine Gael strongly supports the European Union. They generally believe in economic liberalism, which means they favor free markets and less government control over the economy. This is a bit different from their traditional rival party, Fianna Fáil.
Fine Gael describes itself as a "party of the progressive centre." This means they aim to do what is best for Ireland, without being stuck on one strict set of ideas. Their main values include:
- Equality of opportunity for everyone
- Free enterprise and rewarding hard work
- Security for people
- Honesty and hope
In terms of international relations, Fine Gael supports strong ties with the European Union. They also generally want better relationships with the United Kingdom. The party has a youth group called Young Fine Gael (YFG), which was started in 1977.
Fine Gael Today
Fine Gael has been part of the Irish government for many years.
- From 2011 to 2016, they governed with the Labour Party.
- From 2016 to 2020, they led a minority government with independent politicians.
- Currently, Fine Gael is part of a historic coalition government. This means they are working together with their long-time rival, Fianna Fáil, and also the Green Party.
Simon Harris became the Taoiseach (Ireland's Prime Minister) in April 2024, as part of this coalition government.
Images for kids
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Garret FitzGerald was a leader who helped make the party more modern in the 1980s.
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Leo Varadkar, a former leader of Fine Gael.
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Fine Gael connects its history to Michael Collins, using him as a symbol of law and order.
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See also
In Spanish: Fine Gael para niños
