FINE GAEL is expecting about 1,200 party activists to attend its national conference which opens this evening in Wexford.
Party leader Enda Kenny's address will be broadcast live on television tomorrow night.
A party spokesman said the conference would place a "very strong emphasis" on the economy.
Deputy leader and finance spokesman Richard Bruton will be the main speaker at a mid-morning session tomorrow, entitled Recovery through Reform: Getting the Economy back on track, which will also be broadcast live on television.
Other issues to be dealt with include the health service, crime, children's rights, environmental issues and promoting indigenous industries on a regional basis.
Three private workshops tomorrow afternoon will be devoted to the following topics: How Ireland can achieve universal healthcare; What is Ireland's future in the European Union?; and Facing up to our Immigration Challenges in a changing Economy.
This evening features an address by education spokesman Brian Hayes on a range of issues, including a new strategy for higher education and his views on possible funding arrangements.
He will also deal with the education cutbacks in the recent Budget and outline Fine Gael's alternative approach which would include a pay freeze for all public servants, including teachers, who earn more than €50,000 per annum.
Mr Hayes will also set out a new strategy for investment in primary and post-primary education allied to reform and accountability. His speech will be followed by a question and answer session with party members.
At each open session, members of the front bench will speak first, followed by a discussion between a panel of senior figures and the party membership. "We are showcasing our own people," a spokesman said. "Unlike an ardfheis there will be no motions on different topics, or elections of party officers. The next Fine Gael ardfheis is scheduled for April 2009."
Fine Gael has been campaigning on the measures announced in the Budget. It advocates a freeze in public sector pay and public spending; charging the banks €1.5 billion for the State guarantee scheme; ending the decentralisation programme and a carbon tax on energy generators.
Other measures include: reducing tax relief on pension contributions for high earners; eliminating or merging over 30 State and semi-State agencies; greater support for research and development; doubling support for debt-distressed homeowners; increases in the winter fuel and back-to-education allowances.
