FG confident in security for €200k ard fheis

Fine Gael has expressed confidence in security arrangements for its ard fheis which begins tonight — and which political sources say could cost over €200,000.

It is 16 years since Fine Gael last held an ard fheis as a government party, but a large-scale protest over the household charge has threatened to dampen the mood.

The party has also been criticised because of the likely cost involved in hiring the venue, the Convention Centre on Dublin’s quays.