Last weekend, Fianna Fáil organised its 80th Ard Fheis in Dublin, which was the party’s first in-person congress after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. They were joined by ALDE Party sister parties: Golos from Ukraine, Union Save Romania (USR) from Romania and the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland.

Before the official kick off, Taoiseach Micheál Martin together with ALDE Party Vice President Kira Rudik gave a press conference as a response to the sham referendums organised on the occupied Ukraine territory. Martin stated: “It's illegal and will not in any shape or form be recognised by the European Union.”

"It's illegal and will not in any shape or form be recognised by the European Union."

An Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD speaking from #FFArdFheis22 on the sham referendums taking place in #Ukraine. @kiraincongress @StefanishynaO pic.twitter.com/03V9IT6lQl

— Fianna Fáil (@fiannafailparty) September 30, 2022

Fianna Fáil Secretary General Sean Dorgan and Prime Minister Micheál Martin opened the congress, followed by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna (Servant of the People) who expressed her gratitude to the Irish people for their support to Ukraine and Ukrainians.

A discussion on the war in Ukraine was moderated by ALDE Party co-President and Senator Timmy Dooley. Speakers included Rudik, Martin, Irish Minister of European Affairs Thomas Byrne, Member of the European Parliament Billy Kelleher and other members of Oireachtas, the Irish Parliament.

You can watch a message from Rudik, explaining why she is grateful for the support for her country and its people here.

During the congress, Fianna Fáil delegates debated and voted on policy positions covering a wide range of issues such as the rise of cost-of-living, health care reforms, housing and education policies.

Martin concluded the two-day congress with a live broadcasted speech, which you can re-watch here.

USR Board member Adrian Echert enjoyed the fruitful discussions during the congress:

“I held discussions with Ireland's Prime Minister, the party's Secretary General and Ambassadors. I'm glad I've had this opportunity to put Romania and the USR on the lips of so many important Irish officials.”

The world has been turned upside down over the past months by the devastating russia’s war of #Ukraine. Today we can clearly see our true friends. #Ireland is one of the best. Thank you for the invitation and support to 🇺🇦 Flanna Fail Senator @timmydooley @fiannafailparty pic.twitter.com/ot25Z9Ssd7

— Kira Rudik (@kiraincongress) October 2, 2022