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Alan Shatter has been in the spotlight in recent weeks Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Fine Gael Ard Fheis
Fine Gael will debate legalising cannabis at its Ard Fheis today
Day two of the party’s annual gathering is getting under way at the RDS in Dublin today with Justice Minister Alan Shatter to speak at a session on transparency and accountability.
Updated 9.20am
ENDA KENNY WILL give a keynote address to delegates at the end of day two of the Fine Gael Ard Fheis which is continuing in Dublin today.
The speech by the Taoiseach and party leader will follow a day of events at the RDS where Fine Gael is gathering for the first time since 2001 with May’s local and European elections just under three months away.
Last night, delegates debated a number of motions on healthcare with Health Minister James Reilly insisting that universal health insurance will be in place by 2019.
The party will debate changes to its own constitution and internal organisation this morning before a live televised session from 11am to 1pm.
That session will focuses on jobs and growth with delegates and viewers at home to hear from senior ministers including Michael Noonan and Richard Bruton.
Later, Environment Minister Phil Hogan will host a session on local government reform while a session on transparency, accountability and justice is likely to attract attention as embattled Justice Minister Alan Shatter is due to speak.
It is during that session that a motion from the Trinity branch of Young Fine Gael to legalise cannabis will be debated and voted on by delegates.
Other sessions today will focus on children and investing in transport infrastructure with ministers Frances Fitzgerald and Leo Varadkar due to speak to delegates.
The Taoiseach will give his live televised address at 8.30pm
- Follow @oconnellhugh for updates from the RDS this weekend.
First published 7.30am
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