# Fine Gael Convenes in Cork for Biannual Ard Fheis Policy Debate Over 1,200 party members gather to debate 170 motions and shape future political direction. - **Source:** [TheJournal.ie](https://www.thejournal.ie) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0b6990ee-7931-4104-9e9b-bd900e2c1864 ## Party Gathering in Cork Fine Gael members are convening at University College Cork for their biannual ard fheis. Over 1,200 delegates are attending the two-day event to debate 170 motions. This conference marks the first such gathering since April 2024, focusing on internal party renewal and defining the party's future political trajectory. ## Leadership and Renewal Tánaiste Simon Harris will deliver a keynote address, televised live on RTÉ One. He is expected to outline the party’s renewal strategy and address his future return to the Taoiseach’s office. The event also reviews 62 recommendations from the internal commission of renewal aimed at modernizing the party's organizational structure. ## Policy and Legal Reforms Delegates will debate diverse motions, including a proposal to ban Fine Gael representatives from providing character references in court cases. This measure aims to prevent perceptions of political interference in judicial proceedings. Additionally, the party will discuss establishing a candidate ratification advisory group to vet future election candidates effectively. ## Economic and Social Proposals Economic motions include indexing income tax credits to inflation and removing family homes from capital acquisition tax. Socially, the party will consider expanding the smoking ban to include vaping in workplaces. Young Fine Gael has also proposed legislation to criminalize catfishing, defined as using fake identities for online deception. ## Infrastructure and Security The agenda includes significant infrastructure and security debates, such as expanding state prison capacity by 50%. Members will also discuss ending Ireland’s ban on nuclear energy and creating a defence innovation fund. Furthermore, proposals include delegating powers to local authorities to implement a tourist tax to support regional funding. ## Internal Governance Debates Approximately 74 of the 170 motions focus specifically on the party's inner workings. The executive council has proposed a comprehensive review of the party’s constitution and rules. While some motions were accepted for debate, an executive council decision rejected a motion intended to distinguish the party from the woke left. ## Strategic Vision for Ireland The party will debate its 'Blueprint for a Unified Island,' which will be streamed on social channels. Harris emphasized that the party aims to build an Ireland where hard work is rewarded and families flourish. The discussions reflect a broader ambition to address long-term unemployment and public expenditure culture. ## Future Political Outlook This ard fheis serves as a critical platform for Fine Gael to consolidate its policy platform before upcoming electoral cycles. By addressing issues ranging from AI challenges to gender-based violence ministries, the party seeks to demonstrate a proactive approach to governance, ensuring its platform remains relevant to contemporary Irish society. ## Sources covering this story - [Irish Examiner — Fine Gael Ard Fheis to Debate Nuclear Energy and Legal Reforms](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41933934.html) - [TheJournal.ie — Fine Gael Members Gather in Cork for Biannual Ard Fheis](https://www.thejournal.ie/fine-gael-ard-fheis-4-7217943-Nov2026/) - [The Irish Times – Politics — Fine Gael Faces Identity Crisis Amidst Internal Drift and Leadership Challenges](https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/11/07/can-fine-gael-arrest-its-drift-and-is-simon-harris-the-man-to-reshape-it/) - [Irish Examiner — Fine Gael's Anti-Woke Rhetoric Faces Criticism](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41934156.html) - [RTÉ News — Fine Gael Ard Fheis Focuses on Unified Island Strategy](https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2026/1107/1598338-fine-gael-ard-fheis/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._