Ahern to make keynote speech at Fianna Fáil gathering

Fianna Fáil’s 69th annual Ard Fheis continues in Killarney today as TDs and delegates consider party policies ahead of the next General Election.

Representatives from over 3,000 cumainn will also discuss the party’s organisational structures and how to encourage more women into elected positions.

Taoiseach and party president Bertie Ahern will set out Fianna Fáil’s future priorities in his keynote presidential address tonight.

Last night he urged opposition parties to reveal their tax policies to voters if they are serious about forming the next Government,

Mr Ahern also pledged to boost economic competitiveness by increasing investment in skills, knowledge and innovation.

He said December’s Budget would include “the right incentives for growth combined with a fair distribution of both the burden and the benefit of public spending".

Mr Ahern also endorsed Ard Fheis proposals to promote gender balance within the party.

“For too long there have been too few women as party officers, candidates and public representatives“.

Earlier, TDs and delegates filed past a salmon angler’s protest for the first Ard Fheis since the party’s drubbing in the local and European elections in June 2004.

One veteran Ard Fheis delegate said: “This weekend is about regrouping, discussing party policy and getting ready for the next General election.”