Kissing hands, and shaking babies....

[David Cochrane]

On my way to Citywest now, I can't help but be reminded of my former PD days, and the excitement and fun of party politics, and namely conferences. Party conferences are a time to excite the troops, rally the support and completely endoctrinate the newbies. Anyone who thinks that there is little impact in a handshake or nod from a minister or high ranking party member, is very wrong.

Bringing fresh blood to these conferences is the very thing to get them hooked and knocking furiously and passionately on doors around the constituencies in the coming months. Even one fellow member of today's press gang has remarked that Bertie waved to him (fiver says he'll have defected by the time Bertie's speech concludes tonight).

So, what to expect from today, alot of people kissing hands and shaking babies. Which of course is the wrong way around, but it ties in with Bertie's announcement of a constitutional amendment yesterday. Do we know when it'll be? No (The Irish Times this morning suggests March). Do we know what exactly it'll cover? No. But Colm O'Gorman is in favour of it (fiver says he'll have defected by the time Bertie's speech concludes tonight).

The Daily Mail thinks your kids will be able to sue you, both the Examiner and Times lead on the referendum (which was announced on Politics.ie first) - links to those stories will be added soon.

I'll continue to update throughout the day, and as always, give us your thoughts and view on all things politics. My next update will be from the press centre, I'll do the morning wrap, and post today's full agenda.

[President Bartlet]

I wonder when the most cunning and devious of them all takes to the floor tonight for his prime time address will he make reference to that most poigant of all events this year - the passing of the Boss seeing this is FFs 1st Ard Fheis since he died.

Berite sang the praises (and rightly so) of Jack Lynch in the Ard Fheis after his death will he now do the same for CJH or chose to quitely ignore it : : :

[drjimryan]

True to form he'll speak glowingly of the Haugheys and their contribution and then of course truly shaft Sean on the 8th