Fine Gael leader Deputy Enda Kenny has declined to respond to questions in regard to what infrastructural projects he would like to be prioritise and progress in Mayo in the likely event of him being appointed Taoiseach after the forthcoming early general election.

When asked by The Connaught Telegraph about the matter, he stated: "It would be extremely presumptuous of me to predict what the Irish people might do in the election.

"Trends in polls over the past two years indicate that Fine Gael is the most favoured party in the country. They matter little, however, in the context of the actual vote in the election.
"Fine Gael's proposals are based on a plan and strategy to restore Ireland's fortunes. The main pillars of the plan are to restore sound public finances, to put the country back to work and to cut waste and the cost of governance.

"The 2011 Budget is exceptionally constrained by the requirement to take €6 billion out of the economy and because of the IMF/EU intervention with severe conditions for bail-out money. Many people will suffer as a consequence.
"It is not realistic or credible in these circumstances to portray lists of promises as being deliverable after an election. Fine Gael, however, will present our plan on our own with no pre-election pact with any other party."
He confirmed there was no softening in his stance in regard to Sinn Féin and his reluctance to do business with them after the impeding election.
"Fine Gael will not share government with Sinn Féin," he stated.

 

Deputy Kenny did not accept the key to achieving the goal of four Fine Gael seats in Mayo could be undermined by his first preference vote exceeding the quota by a significant degree like it did in 2007.
"The party will fight the election with a formidable team in Mayo, capable of winning four seats if people so wish."

Asked about the urgent need to create new manufacturing jobs in Castlebar following the announcement of redundancies at a number of local plants, he stated: "Fine Gael's programme of job creation and investment for growth will benefit the entire country.
"We see small business as being particularly important and we are committed to removing the obstacles and barriers that prevent business being done and jobs created.
"We are committed to the retention of the 12.5 per cent corporation tax rate for multinational corporations."

Asked about the likelihood of him appointing a second Mayo TD to the cabinet when seven of the 15 positions may have to be awarded to the Labour Party, Deputy Kenny said: "I would not presume to make any comment regarding the formation of a government in advance of an election.

"That is a matter entirely for the people, although I would naturally wish for them to elect Fine Gael to government whenever that occurs. Our party will stand sufficient candidates to win an overall majority."
Deputy Kenny added that a referendum on the abolition of Seanad Éireann will be put to the people within 12 months in the event of his party forming the next government.