"Over the weekend debates were held on a wide range of issues that affect the people. The important work in progess on the peace process and the all Ireland agenda receives most media attention, but the party also reviewed and put forward comprehensive proposals on education, health, justice, local government, the economy, the european union, agriculture and rural development, and more.

Cllr Dwyer who chaired Saturday's session on the Economy and International Affairs, said he was particularly pleased to be in the chair for the Saturday afternoon session and to introduce the members of the Diplomatic Corps, including both the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Ali Halimeh and the Basque representative, Batastuna MP Pernando Barrena, who both addressed the Ard Fheis.

Cllr Dwyer said: "Sinn Féin's long and proud association and mutual solidarity with the Palestinian people, the Basque people and the people of South Africa is well known. This year all of our International visitors spoke determinedly with one voice against the war on Iraq and echoed the views that we have been expressing for quite some time.

"All right thinking people must continue to condemn this war for as long as it takes. This weekend we have seen 100,000 more American troops being sent to the Gulf. George Bush clearly has a long term agenda for the entire region but we must all continue to oppose that agenda and not relent in those efforts.

"The experience of the Palestinian people, the Basque people, and the South African people mirrors that of the Irish people. You cannot liberate a people by invading them and occupying their homeland. By doing so, the Americans and British are creating and perpetuating a conflict for generations to come. If history teaches us anything, then it teaches us that. There is a better way. We have dealt with and struggled against such imperialism in this country for far too long not to recognise this reality."