Taoiseach outlines FF plans in the North

The Taoiseach is to ask all members of Fianna Fáil around the country to contribute ideas to plans by the party to organise on a 32-county basis.

He's appealing to all members to make an input towards the next stage in the development of the party.

Bertie Ahern made his remarks at the annual Bodenstown commemoration ceremony in County Kildare.

The event was traditionally an occasion in which an olive branch could be extended to unionists.

However, with the Northern Assembly now up and running, Mr Ahern took the opportunity to outline plans to expand Fianna Fáil into the six counties.

It is expected that the ideas received will be discussed at the next Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis.