Fianna Fáil will hold two ardfheiseanna within five months of each other before the next general election as the party seeks to maximise positive coverage ahead of the poll.
The party will hold its 2006 ardfheis on November 4th in Dublin's CityWest and its 2007 gathering in March or April next year, possibly in the same venue. The party is in contact with RTÉ about television coverage for the latter event, which traditionally includes a 30-minute speech by the party leader and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that is broadcast live.
The national broadcaster has said it will not give the traditional full coverage to any ardfheis taking place any later than March 31st. The next general election is expected in May or June next, and RTÉ believes it should not give a party such high-profile coverage too close to polling day.
If RTÉ maintains this position, Fianna Fáil is believed to be likely to hold its event in March in order to maximise coverage.
Fine Gael has scheduled its 2007 ardfheis for March 31st, the Progressive Democrats have elected to hold their annual conference on February 17th, the Greens have chosen February 24th and Sinn Féin has opted for March 3rd.
Labour intends to hold its national conference in February. It is unusual for Fianna Fáil to have two ardfheiseanna so close to each other.
A party spokeswoman said yesterday that they hold an ardfheis in each calendar year and that the timing varies between spring and autumn.