Delegates gather for Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin

More than 2,000 Sinn Féin delegates are gathering in Dublin today for the party's annual Ard Fheis.

The main theme of this year's event is Unity, Prosperity, and Equality.

The key debate this evening centres on the Lisbon Treaty, which is being opposed by Sinn Féin.

Party chairperson Mary Lou McDonald is calling for more grown-up discussion of the issue following the Taoiseach's decision last week to describe opponents of the treaty as "loo-las".