The Fianna Fβil ┴rdfheis is a unique political event. It is more a microcosm of Irish society than any other party conference.
Not only are there more people there than at other βrdfheiseanna, they are representative of the people as a whole.
So what is the purpose of the βrdfheis? Yes, it is part self-congratulatory, a morale booster for party workers and public representatives.
But it is not all standing ovations. There are scrutiny and criticism, too. ┴rdfheiseanna provide occasions for taking stock and reviewing progress, for setting out a clear vision for the future.
No one seriously claims you can formulate policy platforms on the floor of an annual conference. But you can set out the broad thrust and direction for that policy.
That is why the theme for this year's event - working for the future together - is so appropriate. This βrdfheis will see constructive debate as to the route the party and our country must take over the coming five years.
There may be a few references to other political parties - it's only natural. It's hard not to crack a few jokes at their expense, especially when they offer so much material to work with.
We have achieved much since 1997, but our political and economic history teaches us to take nothing for granted. We have seen the opportunities created by our political forebears in Fianna Fβil thrown away by the ideologically motivated incompetence of others.
This year sees a considerable landmark for the party as we celebrate 75 years in existence. We have much to be proud of in our party's history and have much to learn from it, too. The principle lesson is the reason for that success. There is no secret to it. It is the party's ability to listen to the people.
It is against Fianna Fβil that all other parties calibrate themselves. The Irish political spectrum is set with Fianna Fβil firmly occupying the centre ground and a fair wedge of territory on either side of it.
Being such a dominant political force, of course, makes you fair game in the eyes of the begrudgers and detractors. But this is nothing new to us. The media boycotted our first meeting in the La Scala Theatre in 1926. I fervently wish they had boycotted some later ones also. Either way, we can never claim to have been their darlings.
Throughout its history Fianna Fβil has endured a fair degree of turmoil and upheaval. Some found its origins within the party, but mostly it was the party reflecting the turmoil within the greater Irish body politic. Seventy five years on, we can ask ourselves: would the founders of Fianna Fβil be happy with the party today? I believe the answer is a resounding Yes.
They would have felt at home with the policy of social partnership. They would approve of a party and a country taking their places in Europe. De Valera was a strong advocate of internationalism. Lemass urged greater participation in Europe long before EU membership was viable.
Not everything about modern-day Ireland would have pleased them, however. They would be appalled to see some self-proclaimed republicans engaging in meaningless doublespeak and hypocrisy. They saw Republicanism as an inclusive philosophy, not an exclusive, ethno-centric one.
Willie O'Dea is Minister of State at the Department of Education