Four thousand Fianna Fáíl members gather in Dublin for 74th Ard Fheis

Around 4,000 Fianna Fáil members are gathering in Dublin this evening for the opening of the party's annual Ard Fheis.

The party's 74th Ard Fheis is taking place as opinion polls show support for the party is on the rise following their dismal performance in the last general election.

The buoyed up grassroot members will debate 220 motions - with issues on abortion, reform of the party and the mortgage crisis set to dominate proceedings.

However, ahead of the start of the two day event, the Taoiseach has strongly criticised Fianna Fáil's record in government.

In response, the party's leader Michael Martin is accusing Enda Kenny of resorting to 'old style politics-as-usual'.

Martin will deliver the opening address at 7pm this evening, during which he is expected to further address the Taoiseach's sharp criticism of the party today.

Kenny is accusing the party of failing to admit its exclusive role in causing the country's unemployment and debt crisis - and engaging in a cynical and hypocritical attempt to jeopardise economic recovery for political gain.

Earlier today, he said: "Do they accept their time in government had an exclusive role in causing the unemployment and debt crisis? If so they are admitting they are not able to be trusted with the economy again."

But Martin is hitting back - saying the Taoiseach is simply trying to deflect from the "increasingly chaotic approach to the major issues affecting the country".