Fine Gael members gather for ard fheis

More than 4,000 Fine Gael grassroots members will gather in Dublin from this evening for the party's first ard fheis since last year's election win.

The event could be marred by the ongoing Household Charge controversy as a number of protests are planned at the event.

Dublin's Convention Centre is the location - the first time it is been used for a major political gathering.

Much of the focus officially is on the economy and jobs and each Minister will declare how they are performing in Government.

Security will be tight as protest regarding the charge, bank debts and education cuts are planned over the two days of the event.