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Sligo to Host Ogra Fianna Fáil National Conference 2013

Fianna Fáil Senator Marc Mac Sharry has today, Friday, welcomed the decision to host the Fianna Fáil Party’s National Youth Conference in Sligo for the first time ever in the Spring.  This 600 delegate event is the flagship in Ogra Fianna Fáil’s Calendar. To be held at the Sligo Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo’s bid, spearheaded by the local organisation beat off formidable opposition from both Galway and Westport.

Welcoming the news Senator Mac Sharry said, “In a week that we have recorded our  biggest student recruitment for more than a decade it is indeed fitting that we can celebrate the achievement of been chosen as the location for our flagship National Youth Conference 2013”. Mac Sharry paid tribute to the team who put together the Sligo Bid, particularly Kevin Burke and Gerry O’Connor “whose innovation, hard work and incredible determination were what ensured the success of Sligo’s bid”.

Kevin Burke, Chairman, who put the case for Sligo said, “This is a huge achievement for Fianna Fáil in Sligo and a clear acknowledgement of the potential of our revitalised and growing organisation here in the North West.   It will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase our region and the world class attributes that Sligo has to offer.  In the year of ‘The Gathering’ it will also be hugely beneficial to the local economy with 600 delegates spending an entire weekend in our beloved County and region”

'Constructive Opposition'

Commenting on the surge in Fianna Fáil third level recruitment in the area, Sligo Fianna Fáil National Executive member Gerry O’Connor said “This is a welcome development but not surprising given the Party’s renewed focus and activity. The party at all levels from grassroots through to Councillors and our Oireachtas members have been active in the community, forthright in providing constructive opposition, and imaginative in bringing forward meaningful legislation based on listening to people in the community”.

Senator Mac Sharry, the Party’s only Oireachtas member in Sligo concluded “This is great news for Sligo, it is set to be an excellent event. We will build on our recent recruitment success and promote the message that Fianna Fáil is once again, a party for the people, anxious to listen, learn, and, as a pliable organisation provide a platform for new members and new ideas to mould the policy of the future”