The Green Party’s achievements during its first 10 months in Government will go under the spotlight later today at the party's annual conference in Co Louth.
Sustaining recent growth in membership, strategies for local government and European elections next year will also be discussed at the meeting in Dundalk.
Eamon Ryan
Speaking in advance of the conference, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan said both he and Minister for the Environment
John Gormley have significant lists of policy initiatives to come in coming months.
While the selection of a Cabinet is "the constitutional prerogative" of the taoiseach, Mr Ryan was hopeful that Fianna Fáil leader designate Brian Cowen would not make changes.
Former leader Trevor Sargent is cycling to the convention from his constituency in Balbriggan, Co Dublin.
The Minister of State for Food and Horticulture will join a group of cyclists who met outside the Custom House this morning.
The delegation will carry a Green Party flag, which will be raised on arrival at the hotel. Various policy motions will be debated by over the weekend, with members focusing on bio-fuels, fast tracking wind farm applications, ABA education for children with autism, and cancer facilities in the North West.
Drs Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan will address the convention on about the MarriagEquality Initiative, while Eddie O’Connor (Airtricity), Peter McVerry (Peter McVerry Trust) and Denise Charlton (Immigrant Council of Ireland) will feature on a questions and answers guest panel.
The speech by the party leader Mr Gormley will be broadcast live on RTE 1 tomorrow night.
PA