FIANNA FÁIL TD Mary O’Rourke has proposed the publication of a party “catechism” to equip canvassers with answers to anticipated questions from voters on the doorsteps during the general election campaign.
The “questions and answers” booklet would enable Fianna Fáil activists to recite responses about party doctrine and explain the detail of controversial Government policies, the Longford– Westmeath TD suggested.
“It’s not a religious catechism, may I say, but a ‘questions and answers’ catechism for canvassers. It’s information for canvassers as we embark on our campaign. I thought it would be useful,” Ms O’Rourke said.
Topics could include the bank bailout, subordinated debt and other economic policies, as well as information about recent developments on the educational and social fronts. Asked if she would draft the Fianna Fáil catechism herself, Mrs O’Rourke said she would be asking party headquarters to take on the job.
“Whoever is devising our electoral strategy should devise an uncomplicated catechism whereby all will be able to answer the most likely type of questions put to canvassers.”
A motion proposing the catechism was on the agenda of this week’s parliamentary party meeting, but was not discussed because the event was dominated by the vote of confidence in party leader Brian Cowen.
“It was just a practical kind of motion, nothing deep or extraordinary about it,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
