Sinn Fein to hold largest ever annual conference

The Sinn Fein Ard Fheis [annual conference] takes place in the
RDS, Dublin, this weekend. The Ard Fheis is the place where the
party debates and decides upon Sinn Fein policy and discuss party
strategy for the next twelve months.

This will be a particularly historic event because for the first
time the party's presidential speech will be aired live on Irish
national television. Up until 1994 the voices of republicans were
censored and Sinn Fein representatives could not express their
views on television or radio.

Cavan/Monaghan councillor Brian McKenna, one of a large
delegation to attend from Counties Cavan and Monaghan, said:

"This will be a very historic and indeed emotional time for those
of us in attendance this coming weekend. It is a testimony to
those republicans who refused to be criminalised or demonised by
the British government or their friends in Fianna Fail and Fine
Gael that support for our message has increased over the years
and is now at a point where state television will be broadcasting
live our presidents address to the Ard Fheis.

Cavan/Monaghan councillor Brian McKenna, one of a large
delegation to attend from Counties Cavan and Monaghan, said the
Ard Fheis is the place where we debate and decide upon Sinn Fein
policy and discuss party strategy for the next twelve months.
This year's Ard Fheis is set to be the largest the party has ever
held. Debates will be broadcast on RTE 1 from 11am - 1pm and 5 -
6pm on Saturday, the latter time frame including the address of
Gerry Adams to the Ard Fheis.