Fine Gael does not need change just for the sake of change, Mr Bernard Allen said yesterday. As leader, Mr Allen said he would have many plans for the party but it would not be wise to get rid of what was good in Fine Gael.
"There shouldn't be change for the sake of change. I have heard some people talk about root and branch change. There are loyal and true professionals within the party who would serve any leader."
A number of the policies adopted by him would be those in the party's draft election manifesto "Plan for the Nation", drawn up under Mr John Bruton's leadership.
"We could have an election scenario by May or June. `Plan for the Nation' is not the old regime's plan but was unanimously endorsed by the front bench, the parliamentary party and the grassroots."
Mr Allen has been telling people about his electoral record which was "second to none" and that he has won every electoral contest he ever fought. He believes he can translate that electoral success nationally.
His policies would be formulated in consultation with a front bench of 15 people, marking each member of the cabinet "person to person", drawing largely from "Plan for the Nation". However, he said, he had not thought about his front bench and has not promised positions in return for support. "Although I know that there are promises flying around left, right and centre."
Under his leadership Fine Gael would concentrate on the divide between the rich and poor, particularly the inequities in the health system and the speed of treatment depending on your bank balance. He also said the party would concentrate on the housing crisis.
Mr Allen does not have a campaign manager preferring to take a hands-on approach.