157-491: Garret Desmond FitzGerald (9 February 1926 – 19 May 2011) was an Irish Fine Gael politician, public intellectual, economist and barrister who served twice as Taoiseach , serving from 1981 to 1982 and 1982 to 1987. He served as Leader of Fine Gael from 1977 to 1987 and was twice Leader of the Opposition between 1977 and 1982; he was previously Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1973 to 1977. FitzGerald served as
314-471: A Liverpool -born fellow student, whom FitzGerald married in 1947. Their children were John , Mary, and Mark. Following his university education, in 1947, he started working with Aer Lingus , the state airline of Ireland, and became an authority on the strategic economic planning of transport. During this time, he wrote many newspaper articles, was the Irish correspondent for British magazine The Economist , and
471-610: A Teachta Dála (TD) from 1969 to 1992 and was a Senator for the Industrial and Commercial Panel from 1965 to 1969. He was the son of Desmond FitzGerald , the first foreign minister of the Irish Free State . At the time of his death, FitzGerald was president of the Institute of International and European Affairs and a columnist for The Irish Times , and had made occasional appearances on television programmes. Garret FitzGerald
628-510: A de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide replaced Iolar , and the company purchased a second DH.86B. Two Lockheed 14s arrived in 1939, Aer Lingus' first all-metal aircraft. In January 1940, a new airport opened in the Dublin suburb of Collinstown and Aer Lingus moved its operations there. It purchased a new DC-3 and inaugurated new services to Liverpool and an internal service to Shannon . The airline's services were curtailed during World War II with
785-461: A hybrid business model of low-cost and traditional carriers, operating a mixed fare service on its European routes and full service, two-class flights on transatlantic routes. Ryanair owned over 29% of Aer Lingus stock and the Irish state owned over 25% before being bought out by IAG in 2015. The state had previously held an 85% shareholding until the Government's decision to float the company on
942-457: A pro-European stance and is generally considered to be more of a proponent of economic liberalism than its traditional rival, Fianna Fáil . Fine Gael describes itself as a "party of the progressive centre" which it defines as acting "in a way that is right for Ireland, regardless of dogma or ideology". It lists its core values as " equality of opportunity , free enterprise and reward, security, integrity and hope." In international politics,
1099-648: A "yes" vote in the second Irish referendum on the EU's Treaty of Nice , held in 2002. He held the post of Chancellor of the National University of Ireland from 1997 to 2009. In March 2000, FitzGerald was on the board of directors of Election.com , when it conducted the world's first public election ever held over the Internet, the Arizona Democratic primary ; in that primary, voter turnout increased more than 500% over
1256-552: A 16% stake in Aer Lingus and was offering €2.80 for the remaining shares, a premium over the €2.20 the shares were trading for. The firm was trading at €1.13bn but Ryanair's offer valued it at €1.48bn. On the same day Aer Lingus rejected Ryanair's takeover bid. On 5 October 2006, Ryanair confirmed it had raised its stake to 19.2%, and said it had no problem in the Irish Government keeping its 28.3%. The Irish Times reported that
1413-420: A 30% stake in Aer Lingus which it agreed to sell to IAG on 10 July 2015 for €2.55 per share. In August 2015, Aer Lingus' shareholders officially accepted IAG's takeover offer. IAG subsequently assumed control of Aer Lingus on 2 September 2015. Aer Lingus was founded on 15 April 1936, with a capital of £100,000. Its first chairman was Seán Ó hUadhaigh. Pending legislation for Government investment through
1570-441: A 40% holding by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA). Because of Aer Lingus' growth the airline bought seven new Vickers Viking aircraft in 1947, however, these proved to be uneconomical and were soon sold. In 1947, Aerlínte Éireann came into existence to operate transatlantic flights to New York City from Ireland . The airline ordered five new Lockheed L-749 Constellations , but
1727-504: A change of government and a financial crisis prevented the service from starting. John A Costello , the incoming Fine Gael Taoiseach (Prime Minister), was not a keen supporter of air travel and thought that flying the Atlantic was too grandiose a scheme for a small airline from a small country like Ireland. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Aer Lingus introduced routes to Brussels , Amsterdam via Manchester and to Rome. Because of
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#17328583526961884-550: A counterweight to the conservative leader, Liam Cosgrave . The difference in political outlook and FitzGerald's ambitions for the Fine Gael leadership resulted in profound tensions between the two men. In his leadership address to the 1972 Fine Gael Ardfheis in Cork, Cosgrave referred to the "mongrel foxes" who should be rooted out of the party, a reference seen by many as an attack on FitzGerald's efforts to unseat him as leader. FitzGerald
2041-570: A country with "a smaller, more dynamic and more responsive political system" by reducing the size of the Dáil by 20, changing the way the Dáil works, and by abolishing the Irish senate, Seanad Éireann . The question of whether to abolish the Seanad or not was put to a referendum in 2013 , with voters voting 51% to 49% to retain bicameralism in Ireland. The Irish health system , being administered centrally by
2198-522: A destination, but discontinued these flights in 2001. The first Airbus short-haul aircraft arrived in 1998 in the form of the A321 , initially to mainly operate the Dublin-Heathrow route. Six were delivered in 1998 and 1999 and three of these continue in service today. The first A320 was delivered in 2000, with three more added to the fleet by 2001. On 1 February 2001, Aer Lingus Commuter merged back into
2355-598: A good relationship with Liam Cosgrave, and all the tension between them in opposition disappeared. The minister's role had changed substantially since his father's day. Ireland was no longer a member of the Commonwealth of Nations , but had in 1973 joined the European Economic Community (EEC), the organisation which would later become the European Union (EU). FitzGerald, firmly ensconced as Foreign Minister,
2512-474: A government led by Liam Cosgrave's father W. T. Cosgrave , fifty years earlier. His appointment to Iveagh House (the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs ) would have a significant effect on FitzGerald's career and the future of Fine Gael. Cosgrave was suspicious of FitzGerald's liberal ideas and believed that he had designs on the leadership. During his period at Foreign Affairs, FitzGerald developed
2669-581: A historic coalition government with its traditional rival, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party , with Simon Harris serving as Taoiseach since April 2024. Fine Gael was created in 1933 following the merger of three political organisations; Cumann na nGaedhael (CnaG) led by W. T. Cosgrave , the National Centre Party led by Frank MacDermot and James Dillon , and the National Guard (better known as
2826-645: A largely negative response particularly from trade unions. In December 2008, Aer Lingus announced that the Shannon – Heathrow service would resume from 29 March 2009 following new arrangements with the trade unions on staff costs and the Shannon Airport Authority on airport charges. However at the end of June 2009 the company had accumulated losses of €93 million and Chairman Colm Barrington confirmed this situation could not continue. In October 2009, newly appointed Chief Executive Christoph Mueller announced
2983-459: A low-cost carrier, which did not fit with Oneworld's pitch to the premium international frequent flyer. On 6 February 2007, however, the airline announced its intention to form a new alliance with JetBlue . This new alliance was to act as a weblink between the two airlines, enabling Aer Lingus customers to book JetBlue destinations from the Aer Lingus website. In 2008, it also announced an alliance with United Airlines for connecting services within
3140-569: A mobile phone license to Esat Telecom by Michael Lowry when he was Fine Gael Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in the Rainbow Coalition of the mid-1990s. Lowry resigned from the Cabinet after it was revealed at the Moriarty Tribunal that businessman Ben Dunne had paid for an IR£395,000 extension to Lowry's County Tipperary home. Lowry, now an independent TD , supported
3297-697: A number of CnaG TDs , including Thomas F. O'Higgins . In early 1933, Eoin O'Duffy took over the ACA, renamed them the National Guard, and began instilling the organisation with elements of European fascism . However, in August 1933 the Fianna Fáil government banned the National Guard, fearing a planned parade in Dublin might be an attempt to emulate the March on Rome , which saw Benito Mussolini rise to power in Italy. In September 1933,
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#17328583526963454-635: A parent company, Aer Lingus was associated with Blackpool and West Coast Air Services which advanced the money for the first aircraft, and operated with Aer Lingus under the common title "Irish Sea Airways". Aer Lingus Teoranta was registered as an airline on 22 May 1936. The name Aer Lingus was proposed by Richard F O'Connor, who was County Cork Surveyor, as well as an aviation enthusiast. On 27 May 1936, five days after being registered as an airline, its first service began between Baldonnel Airfield in Clondalkin, Dublin and Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport ,
3611-596: A preference for postmaterialist values. Fine Gael supported civil unions for same-sex couples from 2003, voting for the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2010 . In 2012, the party approved a motion at its Ardfheis to prioritise the consideration of same-sex marriage in the upcoming constitutional convention. In 2013, party leader and Taoiseach Enda Kenny declared his support for same-sex marriage. The Fine Gael–led government held
3768-426: A pro-enterprise point of view. Its fairer budget website in 2011 suggested that its solutions are "tough but fair". Other solutions conform generally to conservative governments' policies throughout Europe, focusing on cutting numbers in the public sector, while maintaining investment in infrastructure. Fine Gael's proposals have sometimes been criticised mostly by smaller political groupings in Ireland, and by some of
3925-410: A referendum on the subject on 22 May 2015. The referendum passed, with the electorate voting to extend full marriage rights to same-sex couples, with 62.1% in favour and 37.9% opposed. In 2015, months before the marriage equality referendum , Leo Varadkar became the first Irish government minister to come out as gay. In May 2019, former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh , was elected as a Fine Gael MEP for
4082-456: A senior figure on the pro-treaty side of Ireland's political divide, FitzGerald senior had remained friendly with anti-Treaty republicans , such as Belfast man Seán MacEntee , a minister in Éamon de Valera 's government and father-in-law of Conor Cruise O'Brien . The families of Patrick McGilligan and Ernest Blythe were also frequent visitors to the FitzGerald household. FitzGerald's mother,
4239-485: A service in Ireland more akin to the Canadian , German , Dutch and Austrian health systems . Fine Gael's current healthcare policy revolves around the implementation of Sláintecare , a cross-party plan for the reform of the Irish health system. Sláintecare is focused on introducing "a universal single-tiered health service, which guarantees access based on need, not income… through Universal Health Insurance". Fine Gael
4396-478: A way to enhance energy security and the digital reputation of Ireland. A very broad-ranging document, it proposed the combined management of a portfolio of semi-state assets, and the sale of all other, non-essential services. The release of equity through the sale of the various state resources, including electricity generation services belonging to the ESB , Bord na Móna and Bord Gáis , in combination with use of money in
4553-487: A year and suggesting Ireland needed a "fundamental rethink" of its security approach. Since Brexit , Fine Gael has taken a strong pro-European stance, stating that Ireland's place is "at the heart of Europe". In government, the party has launched the "Global Ireland" plan to develop alliances with other small countries across Europe and the world. Fine Gael is a founding member of the European People's Party (EPP),
4710-641: Is among the most pro- European integration parties in Ireland, having supported the European Constitution , the Lisbon Treaty , and advocating participation in European common defence. The party have been supportive of NATO . In 1998, party leader John Bruton called on Ireland to join the NATO-led Partnership for Peace . The party's youth wing, Young Fine Gael , passed a motion in 2016 calling on
4867-463: Is commemorated each year in August. Although Fine Gael was historically a Catholic party, it became the de facto home for Irish Protestants. Its membership base had a higher proportion of Protestants than that of Fianna Fáil or Labour. The party promoted a strong Catholic image and depicted itself as a defender of Catholicism against Atheistic Communism , of which it accused the two aforementioned parties of being sympathetic to. Fine Gael adopted
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5024-812: Is on the grounds of Dublin Airport in Cloghran , County Dublin . Formed in 1936, Aer Lingus is a former member of the Oneworld airline alliance, which it left on 31 March 2007. After the takeover by IAG, it was expected that Aer Lingus would re-enter Oneworld, however, at a press briefing on 15 November 2017 the airline's then CEO Stephen Kavanagh stated that the airline has "no plans to join Oneworld". The airline has codeshares with Oneworld, Star Alliance and SkyTeam members, as well as interline agreements with Etihad Airways , JetBlue Airways and United Airlines . Aer Lingus has
5181-482: The 1934 local elections and concerns over his increasingly rabid rhetoric, O'Duffy resigned from the leadership after the party attempted to control what he said in public. He was replaced by W. T. Cosgrave, with James Dillon becoming deputy leader. O'Duffy attempted to regain control of the Blueshirts, but was rebuffed by the majority of them, who chose to stay with Fine Gael. Under the stewardship of Cosgrave and Dillon,
5338-687: The Anglo-Irish Agreement of November 1985. This agreement provided for a mechanism by which the British government could consult the Republic of Ireland regarding the governance of Northern Ireland, and was bitterly opposed by Unionists in Northern Ireland, whose MPs all resigned their seats in the British Parliament in protest. New elections were required to be held in Northern Ireland, in which
5495-513: The Blueshirts ), led by Eoin O'Duffy . Cumann na nGaedhael, born out of the pro- Anglo-Irish Treaty side in the Irish Civil War , had been the party of government from the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922 until the 1932 general election , which it lost to the newly emergent Fianna Fáil . The National Centre Party was a new party that had done well at the 1932 election, and represented
5652-451: The Dublin and London stock exchanges on 2 October 2006. The principal group companies include Aer Lingus Limited, Aer Lingus Beachey Limited, Aer Lingus (Ireland) Limited and Dirnan Insurance Company Limited, all of which are wholly owned. On 26 May 2015, after months of negotiations on a possible IAG takeover, the Irish government agreed to sell its 25% stake in the company. Ryanair retained
5809-654: The Dáil vote on the nomination of Taoiseach , the Independent left-wing TD Tony Gregory voted against FitzGerald but abstained on Haughey, seeing Haughey as the "lesser of two evils". This was because of Gregory's opposition to the Anglo-Irish agreement and his strong personal dislike for FitzGerald. Haughey was elected Taoiseach on the casting vote of the Ceann Comhairle . FitzGerald retired as leader of Fine Gael immediately after
5966-567: The Fianna Fáil – Green Party government in Dáil Éireann until March 2011. It was also revealed in December 1996 that Fine Gael had received some £180,000 from Ben Dunne in the period 1987 to 1993. This was composed of £100,000 in 1993, £50,000 in 1992 and £30,000 in 1989. In addition, Michael Noonan received £3,000 in 1992 towards his election campaign, Ivan Yates received £5,000, Michael Lowry received £5,000 and Sean Barrett received £1,000 in
6123-611: The Health Service Executive , is seen to be poor by comparison to other countries in Europe, ranking outside expected levels at 25th according to the Euro Health Consumer Index 2006. Fine Gael has long wanted Ireland to break with the system of private health insurance, public medical cards and what it calls the two tiers of the health system and has launched a campaign to see the system reformed. Speaking in favour of
6280-745: The Jesuit Belvedere College and University College Dublin (UCD), from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in history, French and Spanish in 1946, later returning to complete a PhD in economics which he obtained in 1968; his doctoral thesis was published the following year, titled Planning in Ireland . He was deeply interested in the politics of the Spanish Civil War and World War II . A bright student who counted among his contemporaries in UCD his future political rival, Charles Haughey , who also knew Joan O'Farrell (1923–1999),
6437-458: The Labour Party that Fine Gael returned to government in 1973. This period also saw Fine Gael becoming increasingly liberal in ethos, particularly under the leadership of Garret FitzGerald who took the reins of the party in 1977; It was during this time that Fine Gael campaigned in a number of referendums: the party supported Irish entry into the European Economic Community , supported lowering
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6594-455: The Live Register in a year by combining a National Internship Program, a Second Chance Education Scheme, an Apprenticeship Guarantee and Community Work Program, as well as instituting a German style Workshare program. In 2010 Fine Gael's Phil Hogan published the party's proposals for political and constitutional reform. In a policy document entitled New Politics , Hogan suggested creating
6751-538: The Minister for Justice. Aer Lingus Aer Lingus ( / ˌ ɛər ˈ l ɪ ŋ ɡ ə s / air LING -gəs ; an anglicisation of the Irish aerloingeas [ˌeːɾˠˈl̪ˠɪɲɟəsˠ] , meaning "air fleet") is the flag carrier of Ireland . Founded by the Irish Government, it was privatised between 2006 and 2015 and it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG). The airline's head office
6908-636: The Pro-Life Amendment Campaign (PLAC) and Catholic bishops, and Fianna Fáil , the largest party in the State at the time, but then in opposition. The amendment resulted in the addition of Article 40.3.3° to the Constitution, giving the unborn child a qualified equal right to life to that of the mother. In 1992, in the X Case , the Supreme Court held that a risk to the life of woman from suicide
7065-464: The X case ruling of the Supreme Court, granting access to a termination of a pregnancy where there is a real and substantial risk to the life, not the health, of the mother, including a threat of suicide. Five TDs and two Senators, including Minister of State Lucinda Creighton , lost the Fine Gael party whip for voting against the legislation. Creighton later left Fine Gael to found Renua . The Act
7222-561: The cargo airline Aer Turas , owner of some DC-8 freighter jets. Between 1987 and 1989, new Boeing 737s arrived to replace the older ones, and six Fokker 50s were added to the Commuter fleet. During 1990, after the passage of the deregulation act for the airline industry in Ireland, Aer Lingus reconsidered its operational policies. It retired the BAC One-Elevens and replaced them with five new 737s. In 1991, four Saab 340 Bs arrived at
7379-548: The trade unions , who have raised the idea that the party's solutions are more conscious of business interests than the interests of the worker. In 2008 the SIPTU trade union stated its opposition to then-Taoiseach Enda Kenny's assertion, in response to Ireland's economic crisis, that the national wage agreement ought to have been suspended. Kenny's comments had support however and the party attributed its significant rise in polls in 2008 to this. Fine Gael's Simon Coveney launched what
7536-404: The "Just Society" policy statement in the 1960s, based on principles of social justice and equality. It was created by the emerging social democratic wing of the party, led by Declan Costello . The ideas expressed in the policy statement had a significant influence on the party in the years to come. While Fine Gael was traditionally socially conservative for most of the twentieth century due to
7693-472: The 1996 primary. FitzGerald took a leading part in the campaign for a second referendum on the EU's Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. He argued for Ireland to continue with European integration. FitzGerald had been scathing of the record of the Fianna Fáil–led government since 1997 on the economy and the national finances. In his Irish Times column, he was a frequent critic of the loss of competitiveness and
7850-558: The Dáil elected Haughey as Taoiseach; the parliamentary party elected Alan Dukes in his place. His autobiography All in a Life appeared in 1991, immediately becoming a best-seller. He retired completely from politics at the 1992 general election . His wife, Joan, predeceased him in 1999 after a long illness. After that, FitzGerald wrote a weekly column every Saturday in The Irish Times and lectured widely at home and abroad on public affairs. He came out of retirement to campaign for
8007-436: The Dáil from the president, Patrick Hillery . When he got there, he was informed that senior opposition figures (and some Independent TDs), including the Opposition leader (and ex-Taoiseach) Charles Haughey, Brian Lenihan and Sylvester Barrett , had made a series of telephone calls demanding that Hillery refuse the dissolution, as he was constitutionally allowed to do when it was advised by a Taoiseach who has "ceased to retain
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#17328583526968164-517: The Dáil, which was granted, continuing to lead a minority Fine Gael government until after the election. In the 1987 general election , Fine Gael stood on the proposed stringent budgetary cutbacks that Labour had blocked for four years. Fianna Fáil returned to office in March 1987 after Fine Gael was heavily defeated in the election. The Progressive Democrats won 14 seats, mainly from Fine Gael . Although Haughey did not have an overall majority, when it came to
8321-591: The Eighth Amendment, which would be considered by an Oireachtas committee, to whose report the government would respond officially in debates in both houses of the Oireachtas. Fine Gael Oireachtas members were promised a free vote on the issue. Leo Varadkar succeeded Enda Kenny as Taoiseach on 14 June 2017 and promised to hold a referendum on abortion in 2018. Several Fine Gael TDs, notably Health Minister Simon Harris and Kate O'Connell , were prominent supporters of
8478-492: The European no-frills airlines while offering intercontinental flights, phased-out Business class travel for short-haul flights, but retained cargo services on a small number of routes. A large order for A320 aircraft saw deliveries commencing in 2004 and continuing to 2011. The delivery of these aircraft allowed the withdrawal of the Boeing 737 . On 29 October 2005, Aer Lingus withdrew its last two 737 aircraft from service, marking
8635-470: The European People's Party (YEPP). It is inferred from the party's relationship with its European counterparts via membership of the European People's Party that Fine Gael belongs on the centre-right . The party conforms generally with European political parties that identify themselves as being Christian democratic . The Moriarty Tribunal has sat since 1997 and has investigated the granting of
8792-431: The Fine Gael government held a referendum on the Eighth Amendment , the provision in the Irish constitution which forbid abortion . The party campaigned to repeal the amendment and were successful. After the 2020 general election , for the first time in history, Fine Gael entered into a coalition government with its traditional rival Fianna Fáil , as well as the Green Party , with Leo Varadkar serving as Tánaiste for
8949-424: The Government would possibly seek judgement from the courts, and referral to competition authorities in Dublin – although this would be automatic under European regulation, as the combined group would control 78% of the Dublin – London passenger air traffic. On 29 November 2006, Ryanair confirmed it had taken its stake to 26.2%. On 21 December 2006, Ryanair announced it was withdrawing its bid for Aer Lingus, with
9106-499: The Irish ' ) is a liberal-conservative and Christian democratic political party in Ireland . Fine Gael is currently the third-largest party in the Republic of Ireland in terms of members of Dáil Éireann . The party had a membership of 25,000 in 2021. Simon Harris succeeded Leo Varadkar as party leader on 24 March 2024. Fine Gael was founded on 8 September 1933 following
9263-417: The Irish government maintained a 28% shareholding, while employees held 15%. The stock IPO offer price was €2.20. Aer Lingus withdrew from the Oneworld airline alliance on 31 March 2007, instead, entering into bilateral agreements with airlines including British Airways , Virgin Atlantic , Delta Air Lines , KLM , and United Airlines . Aer Lingus explained the move stating the carrier was repositioning as
9420-399: The Irish government via Aer Rianta. The airline's first General Manager was Dr J.F. (Jeremiah known as 'Jerry') Dempsey, a chartered accountant, who joined the company on secondment from Kennedy Crowley & Co (predecessor to KPMG ) as Company Secretary in 1936 (aged 30) and was appointed to the role of General Manager in 1937. He retired 30 years later in 1967 at the age of 60. In 1938,
9577-519: The Labour Party returned with their best results ever. For the first time in its history, Fine Gael became the largest party in Dáil Eireann. Once more Fine Gael and Labour paired up to form a government, their tenure marked by the difficulty of trying to guide Ireland towards economic recovery. In 2013, a number of Fine Gael parliamentary party members, including Lucinda Creighton , were expelled from
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#17328583526969734-413: The Labour Party, which was under enormous pressure from its support base to maintain public services. The two parties in government found themselves in a stalemate position. They stopped the financial crisis from worsening but could not take the decisive action that would generate economic growth. With negligible economic growth and large-scale unemployment, the FitzGerald government was deeply unpopular with
9891-577: The Midlands-Northwest constituency in the 2019 European Parliament election , running alongside Mairéad McGuinness MEP. Walsh was Fine Gael's first openly lesbian candidate. Fine Gael has an LGBT+ section, Fine Gael LGBT, and in 2017, Leo Varadkar became the first Taoiseach to march in Dublin Pride . In 1983, the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution , which proposed to protect the life of
10048-434: The National Pensions Reserve Fund, was Fine Gael's proposed funding source for its national stimulus package. The plan was seen as the longer term contribution to Fine Gael's economic agenda and the basis of its program for government. It was publicised in combination with a more short term policy proposal from Leo Varadkar . This document, termed "Hope for a Lost Generation" , promised to bring 30,000 young Irish people off
10205-417: The Opposition and party leader, he set about modernising and revitalising Fine Gael. He immediately appointed a General-Secretary to oversee all of this, a tactic copied from Fianna Fáil. Under FitzGerald, Fine Gael experienced a rapid rise in support and popularity. After the November 1982 election, it held only five seats fewer than Fianna Fáil (the parties' closest-ever margin until 2011; at times Fianna Fáil
10362-441: The Republic and the nationalist SDLP from Northern Ireland. Although the Unionist parties declined his invitation to join, and the Forum's conclusions proposing various forms of association between Northern Ireland and the Republic were rejected outright by British prime minister Margaret Thatcher , the Forum provided the impetus for the resumption of serious negotiations between the Irish and British governments, which culminated in
10519-434: The San Francisco routes were discontinued as of 24 October 2009 . Services from Washington, D.C., resumed on 28 March 2010 when the airline began flights from Washington, D.C., to Madrid , Spain in a joint venture with United Airlines. The airline terminated this route on 30 October 2012. Service to San Francisco resumed on 2 April 2014. Dublin–Washington Dulles service began in May 2015. The Dublin–Los Angeles route
10676-449: The Taoiseach developed with his Tánaiste , Dick Spring , successfully avoided a collapse of the coalition for more than four years, despite tensions between other Ministers, and enabled the government to survive. Fine Gael wanted to revive the economy by controlling public spending and imposing cutbacks to reduce the public budget deficit. The measures proposed by FitzGerald's Minister for Finance, Alan Dukes , were utterly unacceptable to
10833-413: The UK, gradually replacing the Dakotas, until Aer Lingus replaced them in 1966 with secondhand Viscount 800s. The airline entered the jet age on 14 December 1960 when it received three Boeing 720 for use on the New York route and the newest Aer Lingus destination Boston . In 1963, Aer Lingus added Aviation Traders Carvairs to the fleet. These aircraft could transport five cars which were loaded into
10990-430: The US. With the flotation of Aer Lingus on the stock exchange, Aer Lingus had planned to expand its route network, but this was put on hold due to the economic situation. On 5 October 2006, Ryanair launched a bid to buy Aer Lingus. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said the move was a "unique opportunity" to form an Irish airline. The "new" airline would carry over 50 million passengers a year. Ryanair said it had bought
11147-400: The United Kingdom, using a six-seater de Havilland DH.84 Dragon biplane (registration EI-ABI), named Iolar (Eagle). Later that year, the airline acquired its second aircraft, a four-engined biplane de Havilland DH.86 Express named "Éire", with a capacity of 14 passengers. This aircraft provided the first air link between Dublin and London by extending the Bristol service to Croydon . At
11304-902: The United States using the Airbus A330 and in May of that year, Aer Lingus operated the first A330-300 ETOPS service over the North Atlantic. This led to the phasing out of the Boeing 747 and the briefly operated Boeing 767 -300ER. On 2 October 1995, the Boeing 747 service ceased operations after twenty-five years of service. By that time, over eight million people had travelled across the Atlantic in Aer Lingus Boeing 747s. The late 1990s saw Aer Lingus return to Belfast with service to New York via Shannon. It also added Newark Liberty International Airport as
11461-475: The United States, there had in fact been a previous service to Montreal from 1966 to 1979. The great circle distance of 5,926 kilometres (3,682 mi) is comparable to the service to Chicago. At the same time, Mannion linked the funding of new long-haul aircraft to replace the A330 fleet with the privatisation of the airline. The Dubai service ceased in March 2008 as the airline sought to increase its market share in
11618-533: The United States. From Autumn 2007, Aer Lingus commenced direct flights to Orlando , San Francisco and Washington, D.C.- Dulles , facilitated by the arrival of two new Airbus A330 aircraft in May 2007. The airline also serves Boston ( Logan International Airport ), Chicago ( O'Hare International Airport ), and New York ( JFK Airport ). Aer Lingus ended its Middle-Eastern Route to Dubai in March 2008 and ended its Los Angeles route in November 2008. The Washington D.C. and
11775-693: The airline announced that it would establish its first base outside the Republic of Ireland at Belfast International Airport in Northern Ireland . Services from Belfast International commenced in December 2007. As of July 2008 , the airline had three Airbus A320 aircraft based at the airport, serving eleven European destinations. Significantly, this move restored the Belfast International to London Heathrow Airport link and Aer Lingus cooperated with its codeshare partner British Airways on this route to connect with BA's network at Heathrow. To do so,
11932-657: The airline discontinued its Shannon -Heathrow service, a move that generated political controversy in the west of Ireland, particularly as the Shannon-London route was still profitable. The airline predicted that this move would add one million additional passengers annually. The Shannon to Heathrow service has since been reinstated. After five years at Belfast International Airport, Aer Lingus announced on 19 July 2012 that it would be moving its operations to George Best Belfast City Airport . The airline transferred its Belfast – London Heathrow flights to there, and also announced
12089-582: The airline until 1986. Conversion of the European fleet to jet equipment began in 1965 when the BAC One-Eleven started services on continental Europe. The airline adopted a new livery in the same year, with a large green shamrock on the fin. In 1966, the remainder of the company's shares held by Aer Rianta were transferred to the Minister for Finance . In 1966, the company added routes to Montreal and Chicago . In 1968, flights from Belfast , in Northern Ireland , to New York City started, however, it
12246-483: The bans on divorce and contraception, as well as to relax the public stigmas in Northern Ireland towards mixed religious marriages and integrated education. Casaroli initially seemed receptive, and the government formally submitted the proposal to the Vatican . FitzGerald's vision caused great consternation among the church's hierarchy, however, and in 1977, Pope Paul VI personally met with FitzGerald to tell him that "Ireland
12403-449: The cabinet changes further undermined FitzGerald's authority. The new Progressive Democrats party was launched later that year by Desmond O'Malley out of the divisions within Fianna Fáil. It struck an immediate chord with many disenchanted Fine Gael supporters who had tired of the failure to address the economic crisis fully and who yearned for a coherent right-wing policy from FitzGerald. Seeing their party's support base under attack from
12560-512: The campaign, Fine Gael then health spokesman James Reilly stated "Over the last 10 years the health service has become a shambles. We regularly have over 350 people on trolleys in A&;E, waiting lists that go on for months, outpatient waiting lists that go on for years and cancelled operations across the country..." Fine Gael launched its FairCare campaign and website in April 2009, which stated that
12717-669: The collapse of the aircraft leasing company, Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA), in which he was a shareholder. The chairman of AIB at the time, Peter Sutherland , was also a former director of GPA and had served as Attorney General under FitzGerald, prior to FitzGerald appointing him as Ireland's member of the European Commission . The Moriarty Tribunal investigated this matter, and compared the treatment by AIB of FitzGerald with their treatment of Charles Haughey. They found evidence that he had worked to compromise his indebtedness with AIB and no evidence of any wrongdoing. On 5 May 2011, it
12874-579: The commercial flotation of Aer Lingus on the Dublin stock market, the Irish government agreed to abolish the Shannon Stopover from the end of 2006 in stages. The company began conditional (or "grey-market") share dealings on 27 September 2006 and was formally admitted to the Official Lists of the Irish Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange on 2 October 2006. At the time of the flotation,
13031-447: The commuter division to replace the Short 360 aircraft. By 1992, Aer Lingus's entire original 737-200 fleet had been replaced and it was now the first carrier in the world operating all three versions of the second-generation 737. These were the −300, −400 and −500 series, although the −300 did not stay long in Aer Lingus service. In 1994, Aer Lingus started direct services between Dublin and
13188-523: The conservative Christian ethos of Irish society during this time, its members are variously influenced by social liberalism , social democracy and Christian democracy on issues of social policy. Under Garret FitzGerald, the party's more socially liberal, or pluralist, wing gained prominence. Proposals to allow divorce were put to referendum by two Fine Gael–led governments, in 1986 under FitzGerald, and in 1995 under John Bruton, passing very narrowly on this second attempt. Its modern supporters have shown
13345-550: The earlier 1987 election. John Bruton said he had received £1,000 from Dunne in 1982 towards his election campaign, and Dunne had also given £15,000 to the Labour Party during the 1990 Presidential election campaign. Following revelations at the Moriarty Tribunal on 16 February 1999, in relation to Charles Haughey and his relationship with AIB , former Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald confirmed that AIB and Ansbacher wrote off debts of almost £200,000 that he owed in 1993, when he
13502-486: The early 1980s, the 707s were phased out. In 1984, the airline formed a fully owned subsidiary, Aer Lingus Commuter , so that Aer Lingus could fly to larger cities in Ireland and Britain whose flying time from Dublin did not require jet aircraft. These services employed five of the Belfast-built Short 360 after conducting a trial with the Short 330 . Around this time Aer Lingus purchased a majority shareholding in
13659-463: The end of Boeing aircraft at Aer Lingus, and the beginning of an all-Airbus fleet. On 27 October 2005, Aer Lingus announced its first scheduled service to Asia from March 2006 as Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, where Chief Executive Dermot Mannion was based when at Emirates . Despite the Aer Lingus press release describing it as the first long-haul service outside
13816-412: The expanding route structure, the airline became one of the early purchasers of Vickers Viscount 700s in 1951, which were placed in service in April 1954. In 1952, the airline expanded its all-freight services and acquired a small fleet of Bristol 170 Freighters , which remained in service until 1957. Prof. Patrick Lynch was appointed the chairman of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta in 1954 and served in
13973-587: The first half of the government's five-year term, then becoming Taoiseach in December 2022. Leo Varadkar resigned as leader of Fine Gael on 20 March 2024, and was succeeded by Simon Harris , who was elected unopposed on 24 March. As a political party of the centre-right , Fine Gael has been described as liberal-conservative , Christian-democratic , liberal , conservative liberal , conservative , and pro-European , with an ideological base combining elements of cultural conservatism and economic liberalism . Although Ireland's political spectrum
14130-426: The first of two Boeing 747s for use on the transatlantic routes. The company later purchased a third for its fleet but quickly offered it for lease because it was not initially profitable for the company to fly 747s across the Atlantic. In 1974, Aer Lingus unveiled a new livery which eliminated the word International and/or Irish from the fuselage titles. The livery included two colours of blue and one green, plus
14287-474: The first preference vote. Fine Gael formed a government between 1994 and 1997 with the Labour Party and the Democratic Left . This government legalised divorce after a successful referendum in 1995. The party's share of TDs fell from 54 in 1997 to only 31 in the 2002 general election , its second-worst result ever at that point. It was at this point Enda Kenny took over leadership of the party and began
14444-414: The former Mabel Washington McConnell, was a nationalist and republican of Ulster Protestant descent, although later in life she converted to Catholicism. Her son would later describe his political objective as the creation of a pluralist Ireland where the northern Protestants of his mother's family tradition and the southern Catholics of his father's could feel equally at home. FitzGerald was educated at
14601-420: The fuselage through the nose of the aircraft. The Carvair proved to be uneconomical for the airline partly due to the rise of auto ferry services , and the aircraft were used for freight services until disposed of. The Boeing 720s proved to be a success for the airline on the transatlantic routes. To supplement these, Aer Lingus took delivery of its first larger Boeing 707 in 1964, and the type continued to serve
14758-399: The government as a minority government , made possible by a confidence and supply agreement with Fianna Fáíl, who agreed to abstain in confidence votes. Enda Kenny resigned as party leader in 2017. Following a leadership contest , Leo Varadkar became his successor as well as Taoiseach. In doing so, Varadkar became one of the first openly LGBT heads of government in the world . In 2018
14915-458: The government to apply for membership of NATO. Under Enda Kenny, the party called on the state to end Irish neutrality and to sign up for a European defence structure, with Kenny claiming that "the truth is, Ireland is not neutral. We are merely unaligned." Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , Fine Gael called for an increase in defence spending, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney proposing an increase of €500 million
15072-423: The government's own bill. The arrangement between Fine Gael and Labour proved pleasing to both parties and their election pacts remained throughout the rest of the 1970s and into the 1980s, seeing the pair enter government a number of times together. In 1985, Fine Gael/Labour voted to liberalise access to contraceptives. That same year FitzGerald signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement with Margaret Thatcher , paving
15229-500: The health impacts" of cannabis. Fine Gael has, since its inception, portrayed itself as a party of fiscal rectitude and minimal government interference in economics, advocating pro-enterprise policies. In that they followed the line of the previous pro-Treaty government that believed in minimal state intervention, low taxes and social expenditures. Newly elected politicians for the party in the Dáil have strongly advocated liberal economic policies. Lucinda Creighton (who has since left
15386-451: The health service would be reformed away from a costly ineffective endeavour, into a publicly regulated system where compulsory universal health insurance would replace the existing provisions. This strategy was criticised by Fianna Fáil's then-Minister for Children, Barry Andrews . The spokesperson for family law and children, Alan Shatter TD , robustly defended its proposals as the only means of reducing public expenditure, and providing
15543-429: The history of the State who constantly strove to make Ireland a better place for all its people". Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid homage to "a truly remarkable man who made a truly remarkable contribution to Ireland". Henry Kissinger , the former US secretary of state who served as an opposite number to FitzGerald in the 1970s, recalled "an intelligent and amusing man who was dedicated to his country". His death occurred on
15700-724: The inflation caused by the tax cuts and excessive public spending increases of the Celtic Tiger era. In 2009, FitzGerald received a new ministerial car, the first and only one to be purchased by the state since an economic recession hit Ireland in 2008. In 2010, FitzGerald appeared on RTÉ's " Top 40 Irishmen " list. He was vice-president of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland for his last 20 years. In early 1999, it emerged that some six years earlier, Allied Irish Banks (AIB) and Ansbacher Banks wrote off debts of almost IR£ 200,000 owed by FitzGerald, following
15857-487: The intent of pursuing another bid soon after the European Commission finishes investigating the bid. The EC has been concerned that the takeover would reduce consumer choice and increase fares. On 27 June 2007, the European Commission announced its decision to block the bid on competition grounds saying the two airlines controlled more than 80% of all European flights to and from Dublin Airport. On 7 August 2007,
16014-548: The interests of farmers. The National Guard were not a political party, but a militant group made up of former pro-Treaty Irish Army soldiers, and was previously known as the Army Comrades Association. Following the disruption of Cumann na nGaedhael meetings by members of the Irish Republican Army , the ACA had begun providing security at their events. This led to the leadership of the ACA being taken over by
16171-783: The largest European political party comprising liberal conservative and Christian democratic national-level parties from across Europe. Fine Gael's MEPs sit with the EPP Group in the European Parliament , and Fine Gael parliamentarians also sit with the EPP Groups in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Committee of the Regions . Young Fine Gael is a member of the Youth of
16328-548: The mainline operation. The business was severely affected by the 9/11 attacks in the United States. In response, the airline cut staff numbers and destinations and reduced its fleet. As a result, it weathered the storm and returned to profit, largely through lowering the airline's cost base, updating the fleet with modern Airbus equipment and developing new routes to mainland European destinations. Aer Lingus had previously largely neglected mainland Europe in favour of US and British destinations. It positioned itself as competition to
16485-468: The many accompanying legal changes needed were not clearly presented. Haughey skilfully opposed the referendum along with the Roman Catholic Church and landed interests worried about property rights. In January 1987, the Labour Party members of the government withdrew from the government over disagreements due to budget proposals. Lacking a parliamentary majority, FitzGerald sought a dissolution of
16642-468: The media outside that "he's doing nothing, he's asking for suggestions". FitzGerald then ordered Gardaí to remove the families from the meeting. FitzGerald's response was, in the words of Eamonn Sweeney, to "lay all the blame for the hunger strikers on the republican movement and to suggest an immediate unilateral end to their military campaign". The economic crisis was also much worse than FitzGerald had feared. Fine Gael had to scrap its plans for tax cuts in
16799-484: The merger of its parent party Cumann na nGaedheal , the National Centre Party and the Blueshirts . Its origins lie in the struggle for Irish independence and the pro-Treaty side in the Irish Civil War , with the party claiming the legacy of Michael Collins . In its early years, the party was commonly known as Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party , abbreviated UIP , and its official title in its constitution remains Fine Gael (United Ireland) . Fine Gael holds
16956-564: The newly liberalised transatlantic market. On 6 June 2007, Aer Lingus strengthened its relationship with the European manufacturer by ordering six of the new A350-900 and six A330-300. These were used to expand long-haul operations as well as replace three older models. Deliveries of the A330 began in February 2009. In, 2011 Aer Lingus switched their remaining three A330 orders to A350-900s, with delivery no sooner than 2017. The A350 orders were subsequently assumed by IAG in 2015. In preparation for
17113-630: The operation of a thrice-daily London Gatwick service (no longer operated), and on 31 March 2013, launched services to Faro and Málaga . Aer Lingus based 2 aircraft in Belfast City Airport for the Winter 2012–2013 season and a third aircraft arrived for the Summer 2013 season. On 22 March 2007, as a result of the EU–US Open Skies Agreement , Aer Lingus announced three new long-haul services to
17270-543: The party for defying the party whip on anti-abortion grounds to oppose the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill . These members subsequently formed a political party called Renua . In 2015, the Fine Gael/Labour government held a referendum to allow gay marriage under the constitution . The government campaigned for a yes vote and were successful. Following the 2016 general election , Fine Gael retained control of
17427-515: The party is highly supportive of the European Union , along with generally supporting strengthened relations with the United Kingdom and opposition to physical force Irish republicanism . The party's autonomous youth wing, Young Fine Gael (YFG), was formed in 1977. Having governed in coalition with the Labour Party between 2011 and 2016, and in a minority government along with Independent TDs from 2016 to 2020, Fine Gael currently forms part of
17584-447: The party returned to the more traditional conservatism espoused by Cumann na nGaedhael, with the moribund League of Youth disbanded by 1936. Fine Gael remained out of government and at a low ebb for a prolonged period until the aftermath of the 1948 general election , which saw the party form a grand coalition with several other parties in order to oust Fianna Fáil and place Fine Gael member John A. Costello as Taoiseach. The coalition
17741-506: The party termed a radical re-organisation of the Irish semi-state company sector. Styled the New Economy and Recovery Authority (or NewERA), Coveney said that it is an economic stimulus plan that will "reshape the Irish economy for the challenges of the 21st century". Requiring an €18.2 billion investment in Energy, Communications and Water infrastructure over a four-year period, it was promoted as
17898-458: The party to the left in a social democratic direction with a document entitled "Towards a Just Society". The document was adopted as the basis for the party's manifesto for the 1965 general election ; however, when the party failed to make headway at the polls the momentum behind the Just Society document wilted and faded. It was not until leader Liam Cosgrave secured an election pact with
18055-447: The party) and Leo Varadkar in particular have been seen as strong advocates of a neoliberal approach to Ireland's economic woes and unemployment problems. Varadkar in particular has been a strong proponent of small, indigenous business, advocating in 2008 that smaller firms should have benefitted from the government's recapitalisation program. Its former finance spokesman Richard Bruton's proposals were seen as approaching problems from
18212-477: The position until 1975. In 1956, Aer Lingus introduced a new, green-top livery with a white lightning flash down the windows and the Irish flag displayed on the fin. On 28 April 1958, Aerlínte Éireann operated its first transatlantic service from Shannon to New York. In 1960, Aerlínte Éireann was renamed Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus bought seven Fokker F27 Friendships , which were delivered between November 1958 and May 1959. These were used in short-haul services to
18369-430: The pro-choice side before and during the referendum. While the party was divided, the majority of Fine Gael TDs and Senators, as well as most members, were in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment. A referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment was held on 25 May 2018 and was approved by 66.4% of voters. The party has traditionally held a strong stance against the decriminalisation of drugs. In 2007, Fine Gael's leader at
18526-410: The process of rebuilding it. At the 2007 general election Kenny was able to bring Fine Gael back to its 1997 levels with 51 TDs. The collapse of the Celtic Tiger resulted in the post-2008 Irish economic downturn , which threw Ireland not only into economic turmoil but also political upheaval. The 2011 Irish general election saw the governing Fianna Fáil collapse at the polls, while Fine Gael and
18683-417: The public. When FitzGerald attended a Bilderberg meeting in 1985, his rival Haughey suggested it had links with NATO , thus contravening Ireland's official position of neutrality . As Taoiseach for a second time, FitzGerald advocated a liberalisation of Irish society to create what he called the non-sectarian nation of " Tone and Davis ". The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution , which "[acknowledged]
18840-426: The right only strengthened the resolve of FitzGerald's Fine Gael colleagues to break with the Labour Party approach, despite their leader's close empathy with Labour. Stymied by the economic crisis, FitzGerald tried to rescue some of his ambitions to reform the state, and he proposed, in the middle of 1986, a referendum to change the constitution to allow for divorce. The proposed amendment was mired in controversy, and
18997-522: The right to life of the unborn", was approved in a referendum against the recommendation of FitzGerald. A proposal to allow divorce was defeated in a 1986 referendum; however, the law on contraception was liberalised under the Health (Family Planning) (Amendment) Act 1985 . FitzGerald set up the New Ireland Forum in 1983, which brought together representatives of the constitutional political parties in
19154-441: The run-up to the election, and a draconian mid-year budget was introduced almost immediately. The July Budget seemed exceptionally austere for a government dependent on Independent TDs support. However, the second budget introduced by John Bruton led to the government's defeat in the Dáil on the evening of 27 January 1982. In light of this loss of supply , FitzGerald went to Áras an Uachtaráin to request an immediate dissolution of
19311-695: The same time, the DH.84 Dragon was used to inaugurate an Aer Lingus service on the Dublin-Liverpool route. The airline was established as the national carrier under the Air Navigation and Transport Act (1936). In 1937, the Irish government created Aer Rianta (now called Dublin Airport Authority ), a company to assume financial responsibility for the new airline and the entire country's civil aviation infrastructure. In April 1937, Aer Lingus became wholly owned by
19468-481: The sole route being to Liverpool or Barton Aerodrome Manchester depending on the fluctuating security situation. On 9 November 1945, regular services were resumed with an inaugural flight to London. From this point Aer Lingus aircraft, initially mostly Douglas DC-3s , were painted in a silver and green livery. The airline introduced its first flight attendants. In 1946, a new Anglo-Irish agreement gave Aer Lingus exclusive UK traffic rights from Ireland in exchange for
19625-422: The support of a majority in Dáil Éireann." Had Hillery done so, it would have forced FitzGerald's resignation as Taoiseach and enabled the Dáil to nominate someone else for the post—presumably Haughey. Hillery is said to have angrily rejected such pressure, regarding it as gross misconduct. He granted FitzGerald the dissolution. In the subsequent general election in February 1982, Fine Gael lost only two seats but
19782-527: The support of several Independent TDs. FitzGerald was elected Taoiseach on 30 June 1981. To the surprise of many, FitzGerald excluded Richie Ryan, Richard Burke and Tom O'Donnell , former Fine Gael stalwarts, from the cabinet. Two fundamental problems faced FitzGerald during his first period: Northern Ireland and the worsening economic situation. A protest march in support of the H-Block hunger strikers in July 1981
19939-482: The third day of Queen Elizabeth II's state visit to the Republic of Ireland , an event designed to mark the completion of the Northern Ireland peace process that had been "built on the foundations" of FitzGerald's Hillsborough Agreement with Margaret Thatcher in 1985. In a personal message, the Queen offered her sympathies and said she was "saddened" to learn of FitzGerald's death. British prime minister David Cameron , who
20096-416: The three groups combined forces and merged to form Fine Gael. The National Guard (referred to informally by this point as "the Blueshirts") were to serve as the youth wing of the new party, "The League of Youth". CnaG members dominated the new party. However, to avoid the perception that Fine Gael was simply Cumann na nGaedhael under a new name, O'Duffy was made leader of the new party. Following poor results at
20253-441: The time Enda Kenny called for drug and alcohol testing to be performed in schools, saying cocaine usage at schools was "rampant" in some areas. At the party's 2014 Ard Fheis, a proposed motion to support the legalisation of cannabis was voted down by the membership. In 2016, the Fine Gael health minister James Reilly said that they would not be changing their policy on the legalisation of cannabis, due to "serious concerns about
20410-507: The unborn, was put to a referendum. Fine Gael initially supported the proposal, but then came out in opposition to it. Under leader and Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald , the party campaigned for a 'No' vote, arguing, on the advice of the Attorney General Peter Sutherland , that the wording, which had been drafted under the previous government, was ambiguous and open to many interpretations. Its stance conflicted with that of
20567-605: The unionists lost the seat of Newry and Armagh to Seamus Mallon of the SDLP. During this period, on 15 March 1984, he was also invited to address a joint session of the United States Congress , the fourth Irish leader to do so. His government had also passed the Extradition Act 1987, which ended the long-standing defence against extradition of suspects who could plead that an act of violence in Northern Ireland or Britain
20724-493: The voting age from 21 to 18, and supported a proposal to remove the "special position" of the Roman Catholic Church from the constitution. It was on the successful side in all three of these campaigns. The party also began to take a more liberal approach to the introduction of contraceptives to Ireland, although an attempt by the Fine Gael/Labour coalition to legalise contraceptives in 1974 stumbled after six members of Fine Gael, most prominently Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, voted against
20881-587: The way to devolved government in Northern Ireland . In 1986 the party campaigned for a Yes in that year's referendum on legalising divorce , which was defeated, with the No side obtaining 63.5% of the vote. The 1980s had proven fruitful electorally for Fine Gael, but the 1990s and early 2000s saw this momentum decline quickly. One of the first signs of this was the party's poor result in the 1990 presidential election , in which their candidate Austin Currie obtained just 17% of
21038-443: The white shamrock on the fin. In 1977, Aer Lingus recruited its first female pilot, Gráinne Cronin – the airline was the second in Europe (after SAS ) to introduce female pilots. In September 1979, Aer Lingus became the first European airline other than Alitalia to be used by Pope John Paul II , when he flew aboard a specially modified Boeing 747 (EI-ASI or St. Patrick) from Rome to Dublin and later from Shannon to Boston . In
21195-476: Was a Catholic country – perhaps the only one left – and it should stay that way. Laws should not be changed in any way that would make the country less Catholic." In 1977, the National Coalition of Fine Gael and Labour suffered a disastrous electoral defeat in the general election . Liam Cosgrave resigned as party leader, and FitzGerald was chosen by acclamation to succeed him. In his new role as Leader of
21352-638: Was a noted success. FitzGerald's policy towards church-state relations, however, brought him into a confrontation with the Roman Catholic church, whose "special position" in the Republic had been enshrined in the constitution until the Referendum of December 1972. FitzGerald, in 1973, met the Cardinal Secretary of State , Agostino Casaroli , and proposed to modify the Republic's Constitution further to remove laws with overtly Catholic foundations, such as
21509-488: Was a permissible ground under Article 40.3.3° for abortion. In 2002, Fine Gael campaigned against the Twenty-fifth Amendment to the Constitution , which proposed to remove suicide as a grounds for granting a termination of a pregnancy. The amendment was rejected by Irish voters. In 2013 it proposed, and supported, the enactment of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 , which implemented in statute law
21666-608: Was a political offence. While the agreement was repudiated and condemned by Unionists, it was said to become the basis for developing trust and joint action between the governments, which in time would ultimately bring about the Downing Street Declaration of 1993 and the subsequent republican and loyalist cease-fires. FitzGerald attempted to reshuffle his cabinet in February 1986, but certain ministers resisted – notably Barry Desmond , who refused to move from his Health and Social Welfare portfolio. The eventual outcome of
21823-473: Was also in Ireland, paid tribute to FitzGerald's "huge contribution to the peace process bringing reconciliation for all that had happened in the past". On his visit to Dublin, US president Barack Obama offered condolences on FitzGerald's death; he spoke of "someone who believed in the power of education; someone who believed in the potential of youth; most of all, someone who believed in the potential of peace and who lived to see that peace realised". FitzGerald
21980-576: Was an opponent of the US bombing of North Vietnam . After the 1973 general election , Fine Gael entered office in a coalition government with the Labour Party , with Liam Cosgrave as Taoiseach. FitzGerald hoped that he would take over as Minister for Finance, particularly after a good performance in a pre-election debate with the then Minister for Finance George Colley . However, the position went to Richie Ryan , with FitzGerald becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs . FitzGerald's father had held that same post in
22137-571: Was born in Ballsbridge , Dublin, in 1926, son of Desmond FitzGerald and Mabel McConnell Fitzgerald . His mother was involved in politics, and it was through her that his father also became political. He had three elder brothers, Desmond (1911–1987), Pierce (1914–1986), and Fergus (1920–1983). His father was born and raised in London and was the Minister for External Affairs at the time of his son's birth. He
22294-505: Was buried at Shanganagh Cemetery . In February 2012, Young Fine Gael (YFG) announced that its annual summer school would be renamed the Garret FitzGerald YFG Summer School. FitzGerald led the following governments: Fine Gael Fine Gael ( / ˌ f iː n ə ˈ ɡ eɪ l , ˌ f ɪ n -/ FEEN -nə GAYL , FIN - , Irish: [ˌfʲɪnʲə ˈɡeːl̪ˠ] ; lit. ' Family (or Tribe) of
22451-401: Was criticised by various anti-abortion groups and Catholic bishops, but supported by a majority of the electorate in opinion polls, with many indicating they wished to see a more liberal law on abortion. Enda Kenny's Fine Gael–led minority government took office after the 2016 election with a programme which promised a randomly selected Citizens' Assembly to report on possible changes to
22608-466: Was eager to enter politics. Despite his pro-Treaty roots, it was suggested by several members of Fianna Fáil , including Charles Haughey and Michael Yeats , that he should join that party. Ultimately, FitzGerald made his entry into party politics under the banner of Fine Gael, of which his father had been a founding member. He attached himself to the party's liberal wing, which rallied around the Just Society programme written by Declan Costello . FitzGerald
22765-508: Was elected to Seanad Éireann for the Industrial and Commercial Panel in 1965 and soon built up his political profile. FitzGerald was elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1969 general election , for the Dublin South-East constituency, the same year he obtained his PhD for a thesis later published under the title "Planning in Ireland". He became an important figure almost immediately in the parliamentary party, and his liberal ideas were seen as
22922-511: Was encouraged to write on National Accounts and economics by the features editor in the Irish Times . He remained with Aer Lingus until 1958; the following year, after undertaking a study of the economics of Irish industry at Trinity College Dublin , he became a lecturer in economics at UCD. FitzGerald qualified as a barrister, from the King's Inns of Ireland, and spoke French fluently. FitzGerald
23079-520: Was far larger, on one occasion well over twice as large), with Fine Gael in the Oireachtas (i.e. including the Seanad) larger than Fianna Fáil, which had been the dominant force in Irish politics for 40 years. By the time of the 1981 general election , Fine Gael had a party machine that could easily match Fianna Fáil's. The party won 65 seats and formed a minority coalition government with the Labour Party and
23236-577: Was free from any blame due to other Ministers' mishandling of the economy. If anything, his tenure at the Department of Foreign Affairs helped him eventually achieve the party's leadership. His innovative views, energy and fluency in French won him – and through him, Ireland – a status in European affairs far exceeding the country's size and ensured that the first Irish Presidency of the European Council in 1975
23393-518: Was harshly dealt with by FitzGerald. On one occasion where he met with relatives of the hunger strikers, he refused to meet the family of Bobby Sands , an MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and O/C of the Provisional IRA hunger strikers, and the first to die on this strike, along with the sister of Raymond McCreesh , who had died on 21 May. During the meeting, two of Thomas McElwee 's sisters, Mary and Nora, broke down and left. Mary McElwee told
23550-461: Was in financial difficulties because of the collapse of the aircraft leasing company, GPA, in which he was a shareholder. The write-off occurred after Fitzgerald left politics. Fitzgerald also said he believed his then Fine Gael colleague, Peter Sutherland , who was chairman of AIB at the time, was unaware of the situation. The leader of the Fine Gael party is Simon Harris . The position of deputy leader has been held since 2024 by Helen McEntee TD,
23707-475: Was out of office. However, a third general election within eighteen months in November 1982 resulted in FitzGerald being returned as Taoiseach for a second time, heading a Fine Gael–Labour coalition with a working majority. Deep economic recession dominated FitzGerald's second term as well as his first. Pursuing "fiscal rectitude" to reduce a high national debt required a firmer control of public spending than Labour found easy to accept. The harmonious relationship
23864-555: Was reintroduced on 4 May 2016. Other US destinations include Hartford , introduced on 28 September 2016; Seattle , introduced on 18 May 2018; Minneapolis-St Paul , introduced on 1 July 2019. After reporting losses of €22 million for the first half of the year, in October 2008, Aer Lingus announced a €74 million cost-saving plan. This plan included cutting up to 1,500 jobs, scaled back ground operations at Cork airport, and outsourced all ground staff at Dublin airport. This met with
24021-473: Was reported that FitzGerald was seriously ill in a Dublin hospital. Newly elected Fine Gael Taoiseach Enda Kenny sent his regards and called him an "institution"; on 6 May he was put on a ventilator . On 19 May, after suffering from pneumonia , he died at the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, at the age of 85. In a statement, Irish president Mary McAleese hailed FitzGerald as "a man steeped in
24178-422: Was short-lived but revived again between 1954 and 1957. However, following this stint Fine Gael returned to opposition for 16 years. The party went through a period of soul-searching during the 1960s, in which a new generation of Fine Gael politicians led by Declan Costello sought to revitalise Fine Gael with new ideas. In what has later been hailed as a landmark moment in Fine Gael history, Costello proposed moving
24335-535: Was soon suspended due to the beginning of the Troubles . Aer Lingus introduced Boeing 737s to its fleet in 1969 to cope with the high demand for flights between Dublin and London. Later, Aer Lingus extended the 737 flights to all of its European networks. In 1967, after 30 years of service, General Manager Dr J.F. Dempsey signed the contract for the airline's first two Boeing 747 aircraft before he retired later that year. On 6 March 1971, Aer Lingus took delivery of
24492-709: Was the son of a labourer who had emigrated from Skeheenarinky in County Tipperary, joined the Irish Volunteers in 1914, and fought during the 1916 Easter Rising . FitzGerald senior had been active in Sinn Féin during the Irish War of Independence and had been one of the founders of Cumann na nGaedheal . The party was formed to support the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, which created the Irish Free State . Although
24649-477: Was traditionally divided along Civil War lines, rather than the traditional European left–right spectrum , Fine Gael is described generally as a centre-right party, with a focus on "fiscal rectitude". As the descendant of the pro-Treaty factions in the Irish Civil War, Fine Gael cites Michael Collins as an inspiration and claims his legacy. He remains a symbol for the party, and the anniversary of his death
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