A Fine Gael minister has said his party's job is to keep Fianna Fáil out of government.

Transport minister Leo Varadkar says Fianna Fáil has brought Ireland to its knees twice in his lifetime.

He's also told delegates at his party's national conference that Fine Gael is the only reform party in Ireland - a reference to the new group of Fine Gael rebels.

He says Ireland cannot be allowed to forget the effects of Fianna Fail rule.

Image: Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny with minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar(L) Photo: /Photocall Ireland