Ardfheis

Ardfheis or Ard Fheis (Irish pronunciation: [ˈɑːɾˠd̪ˠ ˈɛɕ] "high assembly"; plural Ardfheiseanna) is the name used by many Irish political parties for their annual party conference. The term was first used by Conradh na Gaeilge, the Irish language cultural organisation, for its annual convention.

Usage

Among the parties who hold Ardfheiseanna are:

• Fianna Fáil^[1]
• Fine Gael
• Sinn Féin^[2]
• Workers' Party of Ireland
• Republican Sinn Féin
• Irish Republican Socialist Party
• Éirígí
• Republican Network for Unity

In Northern Ireland, the term is not used by the Social Democratic and Labour Party, or by those parties which are not Irish-nationalist in outlook, such as the Alliance Party and Democratic Unionist Party.

In the Republic of Ireland, the Labour Party, Green Party, Communist Party, Renua Ireland and the Social Democrats do not use the term ardfheis.

Ard Chomhairle

Many political parties who use the term Ardfheis, also use the term Ard Chomhairle which means National Executive Committee. It literally translates as High Council.

In Scotland

• Scottish Republican Socialist Movement
• Siol nan Gaidheal

References

1. Bartley, Colin; Sheahan, Fionnan (3 April 2010). "FF's mini ard fheis could begin trend". Irish Independent. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
2. "Sinn Féin Ard Fheis under way in Dublin". RTÉ News. 5 March 2010. Retrieved 6 April 2010.