Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny last night launched a series of pre-election party rallies by promising that in government it would deliver quality public services to match the country's surging prosperous economy.
He told over 500 party members in Cork that he believed Fine Gael and Labour offered a real alternative to the present Coalition and one which would provide more efficient public services for the benefit of all.
"I want Fine Gael to win the election not just to change the government. I want us to win so that we can change the country. I want us to win to solve Ireland's problems and get this country working the way it should," he told the rally in Cork city.
Mr Kenny said the people of Ireland deserved "a first-class economy that delivers first-class public services". He pledged to provide a government that will "stop the waste, stop the waiting and start delivering the services".
He echoed sentiments on the need for public service reform expressed by the Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte, recently.
"The people of Ireland have had enough with being caught in the gap between the 'two' Irelands. The Ireland where our economy and our businesses are running ahead. And the other Ireland where the vital services people need are falling desperately, dangerously behind. People are waiting, suffering and dying in that gap. "
Mr Kenny identified ending waste in public spending, getting the crime problem under control, better management of the immigration system, and in particular, "fixing Ireland's broken health system" as key areas.
A Fine Gael-led government would deliver 2,300 new hospital beds, free GP visits for all children under five, free health insurance for all children under 16, medical cards for 100,000 more families. The next 100 days were "precious" because it is during this period that the people will decide the country's future.
"Their choice is clear - a government that want to keep the seats warm or a government with a new vision," he said.
