Motions in support of same-sex marriage, the secularisation of State-sponsored schools and transsexual rights were defeated last weekend by the youth wing of Fine Gael.

At a summer school of Young Fine Gael (YFG) held in Waterford, the Dublin South West and MUI Maynooth branches sponsored a motion which read: “This Summer School supports the ability of a person to change gender and be legally recognised in their new gender.”

The motion was comfortably defeated, with about 70 per cent of delegates voting against.

Another motion, sponsored by Tipperary South YFG and NUI Maynooth YFG read:

“ This Summer School supports the secularisation of State sponsored schools.”

This motion was also defeated by a large majority, with nearly 80 per cent of delegates rejecting the motion.

The motion in favour of same-sex marriage, sponsored by the Trinity College Dublin, NUI Maynooth, Dublin South West and UCC branches of YFG read: “This Summer School supports the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry and have the same constitutional rights as heterosexual couples”.

This motion was narrowly defeated after looking on-course for victory.

The results are surprising, since YFG have traditionally been radical on social issues.