Briefing: FG’s hubris may be Achilles heel as election draws near

Party strategists’ mantra of ‘stability and jobs’ may not be enough to get weaker candidates elected to the Dáil

Paschal Donohoe, Catherine Noone, Enda Kenny, Simon Harris, Frances Fitzgerald and Maria Bailey during the launch of Fine Gael's digital advertising campaign on Merrion Street in DublinCollins

‘We are on the verge of history” is the verdict of Fine Gael senior party figures as they prepare for the ard fheis next weekend.

The omens are good for history-making. Enda Kenny has already made history as the only Fine Gael taoiseach to complete a full five-year term.

If returned to office, it will be the first time Fine Gael will have secured back-to-back election victories since the party was launched 83 ...