Politics

Taoiseach tells youngsters to get off computers, takes selfie

Enda Kenny stresses importance of ’pressing the flesh’ during referendum campaigns

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan pose for photographs with members of Young Fine Gael at the organisation’s national conference in Limerick. Photograph: Kathryn Hayes
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan pose for photographs with members of Young Fine Gael at the organisation’s national conference in Limerick. Photograph: Kathryn Hayes
Kathryn Hayes
Sat Mar 07 2015 - 20:09

The Taoiseach has urged young Fine Gael supporters to "get out from behind their computers" during the campaign ahead of the upcoming marriage equality referendum,

Enda Kenny made his remarks minutes before he held a giant selfie stick and posed with delegates attending the young Fine Gael national conference in Limerick.

Despite some initial confusion Mr Kenny was happy to hold the camera for the group selfie shot with his delighted supporters.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan pose for photographs with members of Young Fine Gael at the organisation’s national conference in Limerick. Photograph: Kathryn Hayes
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan pose for photographs with members of Young Fine Gael at the organisation’s national conference in Limerick. Photograph: Kathryn Hayes

In his address at the 27th Young Fine Gael National Conference in Limerick, Enda Kenny praised young people for their expertise using social media.

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However, he stressed the importance of pressing the flesh and meeting with the electorate face to face.

“The power of a young person engaging in conversation cannot be underestimated. You are brilliant at the social media but remember there is very little to beat knocking on the door and saying you represent Fine Gael, you want to talk to them... That’s a really powerful message for parents to show that young people are interested in politics.”

“So get out from behind your computers and go out and work with Fine Gael and the Fine Gael party,” he said.

During the conference Mr Kenny launched the Young Fine Gael guide to the marriage equality referendum.

“We want the referendum passed because I believe in marriage. I believe very strongly in marriage, in the right to marriage. It is about commitment, it’s about love and it’s about respect. It’s about patience and companionship. It’s about everything except gender,” he said.

In his address, outgoing Young Fine Gael President Dale McDermott described coming out as a gay man as one of the “hardest things” he has ever done.

The 22-year-old said he knows what it’s like to be the frightened teenager in the classroom hiding behind the “thin veneer” and even, during his “darkest days, ending it all entirely”.

“I was depressed as I felt I could never achieve my potential. I thought I would face ridicule by those close to me and I would be shunned by society ... but I realised after years of mental agony that hiding who I really was meant I would never be happy...

“Coming out has made me the person I am today and even more determined to achieve whatever I aspire,” he told the conference.