The Green Party's annual convention, which takes place in Ennis, Co Clare, this weekend, will be dominated by the Iraqi crisis, the economy and Ireland's waste problems.
Up to 200 delegates, including some from Northern Ireland, are expected to attend the gathering in the Woodstock Hotel, which will be addressed this morning by the party's leader, Mr Trevor Sargent.
On Sunday, delegates will elect members to the co-ordinating and administrative committee of the party during a closed conference session, Mr Sargent said last night.
"The weekend will mark the development of a professional organisation relying on voluntary help, rather than the other way around," said Mr Sargent, who pointed out that State funding for the Greens has increased now that it has six TDs.
The Iraqi debate will be led off by Green Dublin MEP Ms Patricia McKenna, who will leave shortly afterwards for a meeting in New York with the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan.
Delegates will not attend the anti-war protest in nearby Shannon Airport, following the party's decision not to support the event because of fears that some demonstrators may attempt to storm the airport's perimeter fencing.
A report on the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe will be given by Leinster MEP Ms Nuala Ahern, while Dublin South TD Mr Eamon Ryan will lead a debate on the economy.
An inter-denominational and multicultural "Prayer for Peace" ceremony, accompanied by the planting of a tree to commemorate all those who have suffered in Iraq, will take place at noon: "The public are invited to attend," Mr Sargent said.
