The Fianna Fáil ardfheis gets under way in Dublin today.
It will be the last major event held by the party before the general election in which Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is seeking to win a historic third term in power.
Hundreds of delegates are expected to attend the two-day programme of debates and workshops at Dublin's Citywest Hotel.
Protests are planned outside the event by the Anti-War Movement and the families of victims of the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire - who are seeking a public inquiry.
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Mr Ahern is expected to use his opening address tonight to make a major policy announcement. He will also set out election promises during his televised speech tomorrow evening.