O'Rourke appointed to policy group on Defence

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Aengus O'Rourke has been appointed to the party's strategic policy group on Defence.

Party leader Micheál Martin confirmed the appointment and said: “Aengus is a natural fit for our strategic group on Defence. Apart from the fact that
he comes from a town steeped in army tradition he has also taken an impressive role locally in opposing the Government's reckless and unnecessary restructuring of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).' 

Cllr O’Rourke said: “The restructuring of the PDF from three brigades to two regrettably saw the downgrading of Custume Barracks in Athlone.
This was a huge blow to the force. Morale was already low thanks to this government but now it is on the floor. Since this attack on our
barracks, I have been in close contact with Micheal Martin and other Fianna Fáil parliamentary party members offering ideas and policy suggestions.

'I am greatly honoured to have been selected by Sean Ó Fearghail TD, Spokesperson on Defence and Micheal Martin TD to sit on this important policy group and I will ensure that Fianna Fáil continues its track record of respecting and supporting our PDF.  

Cllr O’Rourke concluded: “Just to remind people, Fianna Fáil strenuously oppose the steps taken by Minister Alan Shatter to reduce our PDF to a two brigade structure.
'Our Defence Forces have done us proud over many years. During Fianna Fáil’s time in Government after 1997 the PDF went through a modernisation programme which they implemented with great professionalism. Fianna Fáil has always and will always hold our Defence Force personnel in the highest of esteem.

Deputy Sean Ó Fearghail said: “I have no doubt that Aengus will make a very valuable contribution to this important Fianna Fail strategic policy group.'