South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin Árd Fheis

Published: 26 February, 2008

The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis will take place in the RDS in Dublin this weekend (Friday 29th and Saturday 1st). 2,000 delegates and visitors are expected to attend the Ard Fheis, the main theme of which is 'Unity-Prosperity-Equality'. The other big issue to be debated is the Lisbon Treaty.

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey said,

"The main theme of the 2008 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis is 'Unity-Prosperity-Equality' and it builds on our Engaging Modern Ireland conference which took place in Dublin before Christmas.

"On Friday night there will be key debates on the Lisbon Treaty, the environment and Irish unity with motions calling for the production of a roadmap for Irish unity, setting out innovative policies to tackle climate change and calling for the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

"On Saturday debates will take place on immigration, investing in rural Ireland, building a prosperous and equal economy and the Irish language. Gerry Adams will deliver his Presidential Address at 5pm on Saturday evening.

"A number of guest speakers will address the conference including Dutch Socialist MP Harry Von Bommel, a key figure in the campaign against the EU Constitution in the Netherlands, Jimmy Kelly -- the head of the Unite Trade Union, Raymond McCord from Belfast and Collins Chabane from the ANC.

"Over the weekend we expect more than 2000 delegates and visitors from across all 32 counties and abroad to be in attendance. We will discuss more than 200 motions. We expect a good and constructive weekend of debate and discussion which will inform the development of our policies over the coming year."