The 72nd Fianna Fáil Ardfheis opens at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, tonight. The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, will deliver the leader’s address tomorrow night.
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said his 30-minute keynote address will be “hugely important,” adding: “It will come from the heart. It will be passionate. It will give clear direction as to where the Taoiseach wishes this country will be over the next couple of years.
“He is a man who writes his own speeches so we’ll have to wait until 8.30pm on Saturday evening to see what he has to say.”
Ms Coughlan has insisted morale remained good within the party despite the economic difficulties and that Mr Cowen continues to enjoy the support of members around the country.
However, a new opinion poll has found the Government's popularity has slumped, with only one in 10 voters satisfied with its performance. The poll, published today, found support for Fianna Fáil is now at a mere 25 per cent.
More than 4,000 delegates will attend the two-day ardfheis, which has the theme "Facing Challenges Together", and general secretary Sean Dorgan said the upcoming local and European elections will be a key focal point.
About 40 per cent of the party’s 408 nationwide candidates are standing in their first electoral contest.
The event will include “fringe” meetings on the economy, drugs and community issues, featuring contributions from external experts and commentators.
Additional reporting PA