Groups to protest FG conference in Limerick

Pro-life and anti-austerity groups are planning to mount protests at Fine Gael's national conference.

The party gathers in Limerick tonight and tomorrow after the defeat of the Seanad referendum and with just hours to Budget 2014.

Around 2,000 delegates are due in Limerick for this national conference which is not an Ard Fheis as the party will not vote on any motions.

However life-long learning, jobs, exiting the bailout, and health are all down for discussion.

The gathering will see a number of protests including one over austerity this evening, hours after Ministers meet to discuss the Budget.

Youth defence is to mount an anti-abortion protest at the conference tomorrow evening ahead of the Taoiseach Enda Kenny's address to the nation.