Watch RTÉ Coverage of the Taoiseach Brian Cowen's speech.
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan says Mr Cowen's keynote speech will be hugely important and is likely to give a clear direction as to where the country should be.
Approximately 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the event this weekend at Citywest just days after a poll put Fianna Fáil behind Fine Gael and Labour for the first time in its history.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey says there was a huge well of goodwill for Fianna Fail at local level.
Both ministers defended the practice of selecting local election candidates at interview rather than at a convention.
The system is the subject of a number of critical motions to be discussed at the weekend.
COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Friday 27th February
7.00pm: Official opening and welcome to the Ard Fheis by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD
Read the full text of his speech.
7.15pm: Ireland and our special relationship with Europe chaired by Micheál Martin TD
9.00pm: Organisation plenary session chaired by Mary Coughlan TD
Saturday 28th February
9.15-10.55am: Working for sustainable, active communities
Key ministers present:
* Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
* Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
* Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas
10.55-1.05am: Facing challenges together
Key ministers present:
* Minister for Finance
* Tánaiste and Minister for Trade. Enterprise and Employment
* Minister for Social and Family Affairs
Listen to John Bowman's interview with Fianna Fáil ministers Brian Lenihan, Batt O'Keeffe, Micheál Martin, Mary Hanafin and Noel Dempsey.
1.05-2.30pm: Towards a safer, more secure Ireland
Key ministers present:
* Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
* Minister for Defence
2.30-3.45pm: The smart economy
Key ministers present:
* Minister for Children
* Minister for Education and Science
* Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism
3.45-4.30pm: New Directions on the Economy
Key ministers present:
* Minister for Transport
* Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
6.00-6.55pm: Foreign Affairs
Key ministers present:
* Minister for Foreign Affairs
6.55pm: Presentation of awards for National Collection and Super Draw
7.15pm: Facing Challenges Together
8.30pm: Keynote address
Read the full text of his speech.
* Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, TD
