The SDLP is enjoying its "finest hour to date", according to the party chairman, Mr Jonathan Stephenson, who yesterday outlined details of its 28th annual conference due to be held in Newry, Co Down, this weekend.
Organisers say party members are "buoyant and celebratory" as they approach the three-day conference after a successful year. High points include the securing of the largest vote in party history and 24 seats in the Assembly election last June in addition to the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the party leader, Mr John Hume.
More than 400 delegates, the highest attendance at an annual conference, will debate 111 motions tabled by party branches from around the North.
No motion has been formally tabled on arms decommissioning, but a party vice-chairwoman, Ms Marietta Farrell, said that the stalemate on the issue and the delay in setting up the executive would be discussed.
Following an address, on Friday evening, by the deputy party leader and Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, the conference will discuss a proposed radical review of the structures of local government and an increase in the minimum wage for 18- to 21-year-olds.
The party leader, Mr Hume, will deliver his speech on Saturday afternoon.