SINN FEIN has never met in such style. Previous party conferences have been held in more low key surroundings. A community centre in Tallaght, a cinema on O'Connell Street and a hotel in Donegal.
But the Old Darnley Lodge Hotel in Athboy, Co Meath, was something special. Delegates filed through the door on Saturday into olde worlde splendour of big comfy chairs, polished wooden floors and luxurious Christmas decorations.
There was a festive feel to the occasion. Delegates sat around the Christmas tree drinking piping hot tea and the odd wee whiskey a big fire blazing behind them.
The conference was called to discuss the party's peace strategy. The world might be holding its breath in anticipation but the Shinners were in relaxed mood, admiring the hotel's holly wreaths and brass bells.
At first, Athboy might seem a strange place for a Sinn Fein gathering. Its not renowned for its republican credentials. It's part of John Bruton's constituency and, during the Middle Ages, the small market town was a strong point of the English Pale. But, all was not lost. In 1643, it was captured by Eoghan Rua O'Neill, making it a not altogether uncomfortable location for republicans.
The Special Branch stood outside, keeping a watchful eye on the conference. Inside, security was even more stringent. The meeting was held in closed session.
The Shinners haven't been slow picking up heavy handed security measures. This reporter was surrounded by a scrum of hostile officials when she accidentally wandered into the conference room at lunch time.
Sinn Fein press officers hovered over delegates in the foyer to ensure they weren't giving any secrets away to journalists.
Mr Gerry Adams was clearly not amused at reports of IRA conventions. As he arrived at the hotel, he told the press not to listen to "tittle tattle" from barroom republicans.
Delegates evidently picked up the sobriety theme. Everyone seemed to be drinking milk with their dinner.
Politically, the delegates might be maintaining a united front but food wise there were clear divisions. The Belfast ones tucked into turkey and ham with ample helpings of stuffing. The rural representatives opted for roast beef with creamed potatoes, cabbage and carrots. But Ms Lucilita Breathnach from south county Dublin was having none of it. She nibbled on salad sandwiches. "Lucilita likes life's little delicacies," remarked one delegate.