0:00:20 > 0:00:22Hello and welcome to The Conference.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Whether you're watching on BBC Two Northern Ireland
0:00:24 > 0:00:28or on the Parliament channel, we're delighted you could join us.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Hundreds of Sinn Fein delegates are at the Royal Dublin Showgrounds
0:00:31 > 0:00:37awaiting the conference speech of Gerry Adams, the final act
0:00:37 > 0:00:39in this year's Ard Fheis.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41There's been a lot of anticipation surrounding
0:00:41 > 0:00:44what the Sinn Fein President could be about to say this evening -
0:00:44 > 0:00:46he's expected to outline his time-frame for stepping down
0:00:46 > 0:00:49from the role he has held for the past 34 years.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Delegates have already heard from one of Mr Adams'
0:00:53 > 0:00:55potential successors, Michelle Mary Lou McDonald,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58and the party's Stormont leader, Michelle O'Neill -
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and we'll hear from both of them later in the programme.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03I'll also be talking to our political editor,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Mark Devenport, who's in Dublin.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09But first I'm joined in the studio by Professor Rick Wilford
0:01:09 > 0:01:18from Queen's University.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24Thank you for joining us. There has been a huge amount of speculation
0:01:24 > 0:01:27about precisely what Gerry Adams might say tonight about his
0:01:27 > 0:01:32leadership. We don't have a copy of his speech and often at this stage,
0:01:32 > 0:01:38we would have won. I don't know what you read into that.It is certainly
0:01:38 > 0:01:41an eagerly anticipated speech. There has been a strict embargo and that
0:01:41 > 0:01:45does underline that we are going to hear something quite significant
0:01:45 > 0:01:51tonight. I don't think it will be an issue of if Gerry Adams will step
0:01:51 > 0:01:56down but when, and I think we will all be waiting for it with bated
0:01:56 > 0:02:00breath. It has been so well flagged, the anticipation, Sinn Fein, there
0:02:00 > 0:02:05is a change recess under way. In management-speak, this would be
0:02:05 > 0:02:10called succession planning. We have Michelle O'Neill taking over as
0:02:10 > 0:02:14leader in Northern Ireland this year and there has been this work on
0:02:14 > 0:02:20reform within the party going on for at least a year if not more. This
0:02:20 > 0:02:26will be the next depth and it looks as if it will be a significant one.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32Mr Adams is already on record as saying he will make clear the date
0:02:32 > 0:02:36he made clear with Martin McGuinness he made for his retirement, Mr
0:02:36 > 0:02:41McGuinness is no longer with us. Be interesting to hear what he has to
0:02:41 > 0:02:45say. There are a number of options being discussed. No one expecting to
0:02:45 > 0:02:48say he's leaving the stage immediately. That has been ruled
0:02:48 > 0:02:54out. It could be that he is going to say this is his last appearance at
0:02:54 > 0:03:00an annual Ard Fheis as president and so he will go between now and next
0:03:00 > 0:03:04November. Or he could say, I suppose, next November will be his
0:03:04 > 0:03:09last time.He could, or anywhere in between. I would have thought that
0:03:09 > 0:03:13if we have it general election in the Republic xDSL time, it may well
0:03:13 > 0:03:17be that he would take the opportunity to go before the general
0:03:17 > 0:03:20election campaign gets underway because apart from anything else, he
0:03:20 > 0:03:24would be seen, potentially anyway, as a lame duck leader. He hasn't
0:03:24 > 0:03:31been a good performer in election campaigns, and he wasn't a
0:03:31 > 0:03:35particularly good performer in the assembly, as a parliamentarian. I
0:03:35 > 0:03:40want if he is thinking he might pass the baton onto Mary Lou McDonald,
0:03:40 > 0:03:45both as the leader in the party and he remains as president but probably
0:03:45 > 0:03:51thinking he has got a year and sometime during the next 12 months,
0:03:51 > 0:03:56he might go, and if there is an election in that period, he might
0:03:56 > 0:03:59signal his readiness to go in advance of the erection campaign
0:03:59 > 0:04:03proper. But he will remain -- the election campaign proper. But he
0:04:03 > 0:04:07will remain a key player. His particular role is as a wedge
0:04:07 > 0:04:13between the two wings of the party, the North and the south, and that is
0:04:13 > 0:04:17much valued and will continue to be valued in the foreseeable future.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22But I think the time is coming when we might see him heading up
0:04:22 > 0:04:28campaigns,.He has made it clear he has no intention of running for the
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Irish presidency which may come up again next year depending on whether
0:04:32 > 0:04:38or not Michael the heat and decides to run for a second term. He said he
0:04:38 > 0:04:41wouldn't but there is increasing spectra should that he might. The
0:04:41 > 0:04:46other issue we will be talk about tonight is where Sinn Fein Xoan --
0:04:46 > 0:04:50stands as far as government. The parties compared to go into
0:04:50 > 0:04:54government as a minority partner in the South and we've got the
0:04:54 > 0:04:58continuing debate about whether or not we will see a new executive at
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Stormont and what part Sinn Fein might play in that.It is a
0:05:02 > 0:05:05significant departure from current policy, they previously held the
0:05:05 > 0:05:10line they would only enter a coalition if they were the largest
0:05:10 > 0:05:18party in such a coalition but now they say they will enter it. It is
0:05:18 > 0:05:22with another party would want them as a constituent party in the south,
0:05:22 > 0:05:27but they are now saying they would enter talks to see whether they
0:05:27 > 0:05:31could be a junior partner in a coalition in the south but that
0:05:31 > 0:05:41depends, two, one voting for it.And I suppose -- it depends on whether
0:05:41 > 0:05:47we have another election. That is fascinating and we may be able to
0:05:47 > 0:05:53shed some light on it tween now and nine o'clock. We will talk to you
0:05:53 > 0:05:56throughout the course of the programme. We'll be going live to
0:05:56 > 0:06:01the Ard Fheis in a moment to talk to our political editor, and another
0:06:01 > 0:06:14big story that has devoted the last couple of hours.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Party members voted in favour of allowing abortions
0:06:20 > 0:06:22where a pregnancy poses a risk to a woman's health -
0:06:22 > 0:06:24including her mental health.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25It was the subject of a passionate debate.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Here's a flavour of it.
0:06:29 > 0:06:35We're all of us people of conscience and we hold our position on abortion
0:06:35 > 0:06:40and women's right to choose in good conscience. We make our case and
0:06:40 > 0:06:44about in good faith. We arrive at a decided position, democratically,
0:06:44 > 0:06:54and openly. And, then, we lead. And, then, we act. We do not pop out on
0:06:54 > 0:07:00an issue of such import and two women. Now, we know that the
0:07:00 > 0:07:04referendum campaign will be tough. We also know that it must be
0:07:04 > 0:07:10respectful. There is a debate to be had, and there are many fears that
0:07:10 > 0:07:18need to be dispelled. But I have to tell you, friends, it is my firm
0:07:18 > 0:07:21view that the eighth Amendment protects nobody, it was and it
0:07:21 > 0:07:26remains a deeply cruel amendment to our cost Touche and that sought
0:07:26 > 0:07:32primarily to subjugate women. And it has no place in the Irish
0:07:32 > 0:07:38constitution. So, I urge you delegates to debate respectfully and
0:07:38 > 0:07:50to support motion 144. Thank you. The motion doesn't even say how you
0:07:50 > 0:07:55are going to assess the patient, the mother, no assessment set into this
0:07:55 > 0:08:03motion whatsoever. I am opposed to that because it is abortion on
0:08:03 > 0:08:08demand. Our position, I believe, was very good tonight. It took us
0:08:08 > 0:08:13through several sit to nations which were difficult and it also dealt
0:08:13 > 0:08:19with the mission of the worst circumstances, they will also dealt
0:08:19 > 0:08:29with. I didn't come here to say and walk away, I wanted to finish what I
0:08:29 > 0:08:36am going to say, and I am going to finish what I am going to say, I am
0:08:36 > 0:08:41opposed to abortion on demand and this is my position. It is very easy
0:08:41 > 0:08:48to pass a motion here but you have to find out what the people of Mid
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Ulster say, that of the man tiny differences duration.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52Francie Molloy, the MP for Mid-Ulster speaking earlier.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Let's bring in our Political Editor, Mark Devenport, who's
0:08:54 > 0:08:59at the RDS for us.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03The abortion debate, it is a really fascinating one, not least because
0:09:03 > 0:09:08it has been conducted very much in the public spotlight.Yes, as you
0:09:08 > 0:09:12heard there from those contributions, it was quite an
0:09:12 > 0:09:16impassioned debate with a very different view the full forward by
0:09:16 > 0:09:24very different delegates. In the end, it was the one brought by the
0:09:24 > 0:09:27ruling executive but with amendments which further liberalise the party
0:09:27 > 0:09:33's overseas. Sinn Fein has adopted a porn -- a policy that will make
0:09:33 > 0:09:37abortion available to women if their mental health or physical health is
0:09:37 > 0:09:40at risk, even more liberal than the position put forward previously.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Some motions which would have extended a Freedom of conscience
0:09:44 > 0:09:49approach to all members which would have been supported our pro-life
0:09:49 > 0:09:53politicians, they were rejected as the point was made that this Ard
0:09:53 > 0:09:59Fheis is the place to make Sinn Fein policy and everyone should adhere to
0:09:59 > 0:10:04it once it has been made, even in a sensitive matter like abortion.It
0:10:04 > 0:10:10is an issue that will remain on the agenda because there will now be a
0:10:10 > 0:10:13very public debate about the referendum on the eighth Amendment.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Yes, and Sinn Fein's policies to repeal that Amendment and the party
0:10:16 > 0:10:21has said that amendment should not be in the constitution so they will
0:10:21 > 0:10:25we certainly campaigning on that, so we don't know exactly what the
0:10:25 > 0:10:30question will be put to the people here in probably May June of next
0:10:30 > 0:10:34year. But, clearly, they want that to be repealed, the question is what
0:10:34 > 0:10:38obviously might be put in place would there be another amendment to
0:10:38 > 0:10:43the Constitution or will it be left to the door to set policy by
0:10:43 > 0:10:45legislation?Obviously, the anticipation is building behind you
0:10:45 > 0:10:50against -- amongst elegance. Gerry Adams is on his feet in about 20
0:10:50 > 0:10:55minutes time or thereabouts. This has been trailed, as Rick and I have
0:10:55 > 0:11:00been saying, as a very significant contribution from Mr Adams. We have
0:11:00 > 0:11:04not seen an embargoed copy of the speech, assuming you haven't seen
0:11:04 > 0:11:08that either, I'm wondering what we might read into that.Well, I did
0:11:08 > 0:11:16ask for one, they said they would be happy to give it to me at 9.0 one. I
0:11:16 > 0:11:22think it is safe to say that Gerry Adams was to hold onto this big
0:11:22 > 0:11:27reveal. They maybe have been at clue in the afternoon. They did slip
0:11:27 > 0:11:30through one rule change that would allow from an extraordinary Ard
0:11:30 > 0:11:35Fheis to happen three months after a vacancy, should there be a vacancy
0:11:35 > 0:11:39as party president. Maybe that was in light of what Gerry Adams is
0:11:39 > 0:11:46going to tell us within the cause of the next hour or so. But, yes, a lot
0:11:46 > 0:11:50of setbacks -- speculation that he will signal his departure, and a
0:11:50 > 0:11:54plan that he drew up with Martin McGuinness and we had an emotional
0:11:54 > 0:11:57tribute to Martin McGuinness, together with a musical tribute and
0:11:57 > 0:12:01his widow Bernie took to the stage together with Gerry Adams to
0:12:01 > 0:12:04acknowledge the applause there from delegates for her husband 's
0:12:04 > 0:12:07contribution to the republican movement down through the years.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12Mark, if you were a betting man, would you put money on this week
0:12:12 > 0:12:17Gerry Adams' last appearance at an acrobat? Will you be having this --
0:12:17 > 0:12:26at an Ard Fheis.It is unlikely he would hang on in this position after
0:12:26 > 0:12:31giving it such a big build up. There are a number of permutations, him
0:12:31 > 0:12:35bringing forward a leader in Dublin perhaps two mirrored though role
0:12:35 > 0:12:39played by Michelle O'Neill and north of the border, maybe hanging onto
0:12:39 > 0:12:44the presidency. But as I think Rick was suggesting earlier on, there is
0:12:44 > 0:12:49a sense that maybe he sees now as the time for transition and he might
0:12:49 > 0:12:55be moving off to be the grand old world -- man of the republican
0:12:55 > 0:12:59movement, in an on an airy position. He has always shown a willingness to
0:12:59 > 0:13:04get on in there and Bush 's own views, sometimes to the exasperation
0:13:04 > 0:13:09of the other party members. Whether he will be able to let that go is
0:13:09 > 0:13:15hard to say. He hasn't gone away, you know, yet.OK, Marx, thank you
0:13:15 > 0:13:19very much indeed. Live at the conference venue.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21We'll be back to you shortly with some guests.
0:13:21 > 0:13:27Meantime, earlier today the party's Stormont leader, Michelle O'Neill,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29addressed the Ard Fheis on the party's United Ireland
0:13:29 > 0:13:32strategy, during which she called for a referendum on unity
0:13:32 > 0:13:35in five years.
0:13:35 > 0:13:41As the economic consequences of Brexit become clearer, more and more
0:13:41 > 0:13:46people will be open to at least exploring new scenarios, new
0:13:46 > 0:13:53relationships on this island,. Republicanism and unionism must
0:13:53 > 0:13:57reach a sustainable compromised through respectful dialogue premised
0:13:57 > 0:14:02on anti-sectarianism that will move us beyond the past, the present and
0:14:02 > 0:14:08bring us into a brighter future. To achieve that, we must explore how we
0:14:08 > 0:14:11can accommodate each others' aspirations in a manner that does
0:14:11 > 0:14:15not demand the surrender of cultural or additional identity. We believe
0:14:15 > 0:14:20that our unity, on the basis of equality offers the best future for
0:14:20 > 0:14:24everyone on this island. It is my responsibility, our response
0:14:24 > 0:14:28splitting to spell out to unionists what sort of United Ireland we as
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Republicans seek and to assure them of their place in an island of
0:14:32 > 0:14:38equals. One thing is for certain, the political landscape is starting
0:14:38 > 0:14:43to dramatically change and the onus is on us to shape the change. By
0:14:43 > 0:14:47organising an intelligently making the place for Irish unity and for a
0:14:47 > 0:14:52referendum as set out in the Good Friday Agreement. The Good Friday
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Agreement provides a peaceful democratic path to Irish unity. Sinn
0:14:55 > 0:14:59Fein believes there should be a referendum on Irish unity within the
0:14:59 > 0:15:05next five years. I believe that now is the time to plan that new agreed
0:15:05 > 0:15:09and united Ireland, a progressive, Acropolis and an inclusive island.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13One in which all identities and traditions have a place and the
0:15:13 > 0:15:16opportunity to contribute to our shared nation, unionists and
0:15:16 > 0:15:22nationalists together.
0:15:22 > 0:15:28To pick up on what she had to say. This call for a referendum on Irish
0:15:28 > 0:15:33unity in five years. That will strike a chord with her supporters.
0:15:33 > 0:15:42It will be anathema to unionists. Absolutely. The rules when a
0:15:42 > 0:15:47referendum can be called are very tightly drawn. The Secretary of
0:15:47 > 0:15:50State is the arbiter and he was she will only do that on the basis of
0:15:50 > 0:15:57solid evidence.Within the next five years will have another general
0:15:57 > 0:16:03election, maybe even another assembly election.And who will be
0:16:03 > 0:16:09at the other end of Brexit.Yes, with all those under ones. I could
0:16:09 > 0:16:14change the terms of the debate in Northern Ireland significantly.Is
0:16:14 > 0:16:23that the game Sinn Fein is playing? Everything is so fluid.Hinkel's
0:16:23 > 0:16:28difficulty is arrogant's opportunity and it is a massive problem for the
0:16:28 > 0:16:33UK Government. It is also a problem for the current Irish government,
0:16:33 > 0:16:38which is one reason why Leo Varadkar, until yesterday in fact,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42until he gets a hand written guarantee from the government that
0:16:42 > 0:16:47there will be no hard border. It is in everyone's interested there is
0:16:47 > 0:16:52still hard border on the island of Ireland or even in the Irish Sea for
0:16:52 > 0:16:59that matter. Yes, there is so much influx. Five years Michael Clarke
0:16:59 > 0:17:04pipe dream to some, particularly unionists, but the situation is so
0:17:04 > 0:17:09fluid and the architecture, the tectonic plates of the UK as a union
0:17:09 > 0:17:18state have shifted, are continuing to shift. There is a centrifugal
0:17:18 > 0:17:22movement in Scotland, more muted one in Wales and honourable doorsteps we
0:17:22 > 0:17:28have that the man for Irish unification. It is not purely an
0:17:28 > 0:17:31intellectual exercise. It is quite a serious political exercise on the
0:17:31 > 0:17:40part of Sinn Fein. It is thinkable, whether it is achievable is moot.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42But five years as a generous time frame.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Thanks, Rick.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Let's go back to the conference venue live and join
0:17:46 > 0:17:54Mark Devenport again.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59The hall is beginning to do love behind us are heading in to take
0:17:59 > 0:18:08their seats for Gerry Adams's seats. I am joined by Louise O'Reilly and
0:18:08 > 0:18:18Conor Murphy. Newry and Armagh. We will come onto Gerry Adams in just a
0:18:18 > 0:18:25moment. I was talking earlier about the impassioned debate on abortion.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31You were very much an advocate of change. Can you explain what this
0:18:31 > 0:18:38motion that was adopted here today will do?It reaffirms our movement
0:18:38 > 0:18:43to appealing the eighth Amendment. That is really important. Following
0:18:43 > 0:18:46on from that to legislate for termination in the case where a
0:18:46 > 0:18:51woman's health or mental health is at risk. The amendment to the motion
0:18:51 > 0:18:57removed the words grave and serious, so it is just risk. I heard from the
0:18:57 > 0:19:01experts what they need from us, they need to trust doctors to give the
0:19:01 > 0:19:07doctors enough scope to be able to act in the benefit of woman's health
0:19:07 > 0:19:13and mental health. It was a respectful debate today, and it was
0:19:13 > 0:19:16passionate. I got pattern of myself because I think it is an issue that
0:19:16 > 0:19:22everybody feels strongly about. We are resolutely behind the party
0:19:22 > 0:19:27position and we will go forward to repeal the eighth Amendment.Some in
0:19:27 > 0:19:30favour of repealing the year the members have said you haven't gone
0:19:30 > 0:19:34far enough. They would like to adopt this position that the citizens
0:19:34 > 0:19:38assembly came up with, that women should have access to abortion
0:19:38 > 0:19:43within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.It is important that our
0:19:43 > 0:19:50members make that decision. Our position has shifted. Small in terms
0:19:50 > 0:19:52of words, big in terms of the campaign so we are looking forward
0:19:52 > 0:20:00to getting the campaign started. To be honest, a lot of the people who
0:20:00 > 0:20:06criticise us, they do so for electoral reasons, not to ensure
0:20:06 > 0:20:13that the amendment is repealed. That is what we will get behind.Conor
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Murphy, we had some big cheers behind this as the leadership team
0:20:16 > 0:20:24takes their seats. I gathered that some of your colleagues were saying,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28look, this is a sensitive issue, surely we should have freedom of
0:20:28 > 0:20:34conscience on this. Don't they have a right to hold the view on such a
0:20:34 > 0:20:38sensitive personal issue?They do have a right to hold the view and to
0:20:38 > 0:20:46come here today and make their case in a passionate way. The membership
0:20:46 > 0:20:51supported the motion after a lengthy debate. Undoubtedly people on both
0:20:51 > 0:20:55sides of this debate had strong views. We have people in the party
0:20:55 > 0:21:02who are pro-choice and others who are pro-life. What we all do, and I
0:21:02 > 0:21:08have had this debate as well, that people have their views but they go
0:21:08 > 0:21:20out and campaign on the basis of the party policy. I think we decided to
0:21:20 > 0:21:24take a leadership position in relation to all of this, to take a
0:21:24 > 0:21:28firm position as a party not to have a free for all and by and large
0:21:28 > 0:21:31people have their say, it is a democracy and the will of the party
0:21:31 > 0:21:36wins out in the end.We are waiting for the big announcement by Gerry
0:21:36 > 0:21:42Adams. Will it be historical and anti-climax?I think it will be
0:21:42 > 0:21:45historic. I don't know any more than you know in case you were going to
0:21:45 > 0:21:50ask me. We are looking forward to his speech. We had an emotional
0:21:50 > 0:21:57tribute to Martin McGuinness earlier and I think that has set the tone
0:21:57 > 0:22:04for what is said to be an historic address by him.Do you think at some
0:22:04 > 0:22:08point joined the next few months Sinn Fein will end up with a leader
0:22:08 > 0:22:12from the site, could that help your prospects in the next parish
0:22:12 > 0:22:21election?We have been steadily growing. We are doing all right on
0:22:21 > 0:22:28to the party -- under the leader at the moment. I think our party, and
0:22:28 > 0:22:33you can see here from the quality of the debate, we are a grassroots
0:22:33 > 0:22:38movement. We have our leadership but we also take austere from the ard
0:22:38 > 0:22:43fheis. We are a bottom-up party and I think that is very important. The
0:22:43 > 0:22:49grassroots been a huge amount.Me haul Martin is making a speech
0:22:49 > 0:22:53tonight as well and in course of remarks being made, he said you
0:22:53 > 0:22:58might change the face but it will be the same Sinn Fein, still
0:22:58 > 0:23:02unacceptable as a partner in government in his view. He said most
0:23:02 > 0:23:10of the future leaders would have joined prior to the IRA ceasefire.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14Listen. I'm not sure what the protocol in terms of the leader's
0:23:14 > 0:23:22address, but normally the ard fheis, we give space for each other party.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26I think Michael Martin giving a speech to counteract Gerry Adams's
0:23:26 > 0:23:30speech shows you that they feared the message of Sinn Fein. It is the
0:23:30 > 0:23:35same party. We have lost a great leader in Martin McGuinness. Gerry
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Adams will be making his announcement tonight. The party will
0:23:37 > 0:23:45go on, we are getting stronger. The legacy that has been left to us is a
0:23:45 > 0:23:49strong leadership, they built strong leadership across the entire Ireland
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Ireland Northern side. People have huge capabilities to take forward
0:23:52 > 0:23:57the leadership and even with two very strong people are Gerry Adams
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Martin McGuinness, we have always had a collective leadership and that
0:24:00 > 0:24:06will continue. It will be the same Sinn Fein, and that is probably bad
0:24:06 > 0:24:11news for Michael Martin.Thank you for joining us. We are at the point
0:24:11 > 0:24:14where we are battling many cheers. Here is one for Gerry Adams!
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Thanks, Mark.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19With just a few minutes before Gerry Adams takes to the stage,
0:24:19 > 0:24:26let's have another word with Professor Rick Wilford.
0:24:26 > 0:24:32Just as the cheering continues, as the strong, collective leadership
0:24:32 > 0:24:37team commanded the stage, as described by Conor Murphy. Your
0:24:37 > 0:24:39thoughts on the back of what you have just heard those two
0:24:39 > 0:24:46significant Sinn Fein figures say. The abortion thing is significant.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51They have now put a lot of distance between themselves and the SDLP here
0:24:51 > 0:24:58and night, night in supporting the dropping of the amendment of the
0:24:58 > 0:25:03Irish constitution is significant. Quite a liberal change on which the
0:25:03 > 0:25:09party is supporting in relation to abortion. The scope is perhaps wider
0:25:09 > 0:25:14than was initially anticipated. I think they will put the SDLP in a
0:25:14 > 0:25:19more difficult position here. It is smart politics. The prospect of
0:25:19 > 0:25:23leadership change, which everybody seems to be anticipating, it is only
0:25:23 > 0:25:28a matter of when and not if, this sense that they have a strong
0:25:28 > 0:25:34collective leadership team. It is also a party that is strictly
0:25:34 > 0:25:41controlled. Whatever has been planned in relation to what Gerry
0:25:41 > 0:25:46Adams says, those in the know will have a clear idea and think it is
0:25:46 > 0:25:51significant that the provision for a special ard fheis should've vacancy
0:25:51 > 0:25:57arise within three months, a special ard fheis to decide who will take
0:25:57 > 0:26:00over from him, succeed as president, I think that the significant as
0:26:00 > 0:26:06well. We can see the pathway being well laid here, the bat on being
0:26:06 > 0:26:10passed on to a new generation perhaps. One of the things it will
0:26:10 > 0:26:14do is produce potentially two female leaders for the Northern bit of the
0:26:14 > 0:26:19party and another in the south. That's a first as well. Also, it is
0:26:19 > 0:26:25a generational change and it marks putting some distance, if you will,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29between the current leadership in the party with this leadership team
0:26:29 > 0:26:34and the more paramilitary elements of the wider republican movement
0:26:34 > 0:26:38that there has been such a close association with Sinn Fein for
0:26:38 > 0:26:43decades.Michelle O'Neill is the Stormont leader. The other leader
0:26:43 > 0:26:52you are preparing to is Mary-Lou McDonald.She is the odds-on
0:26:52 > 0:27:01favourite. The Donegall Road TD has decided to pull out of any
0:27:01 > 0:27:07leadership, that is significant. I think Mary Lou McDonald will be
0:27:07 > 0:27:13anointed as Gerry Adams's successor. For a Republican party, for the two
0:27:13 > 0:27:21leaders to be crowned, is there an irony there?It is a paradox that
0:27:21 > 0:27:25you have a civic republican party that believes in democracy and
0:27:25 > 0:27:30respect, right, quality and the rest of it. When you think of it, the
0:27:30 > 0:27:34five political parties here in Northern Ireland, only one of its
0:27:34 > 0:27:39leaders has been elected in a contest, and that is Colum Eastwood.
0:27:39 > 0:27:48All the others, Robin Swann, Naomi Long, and the rest, they have all
0:27:48 > 0:27:51been crowned. It is a bit like the old Conservative Party, they talked
0:27:51 > 0:27:59about the Magic circle, from which a leader would emerge. It seems to
0:27:59 > 0:28:03becoming the norm now. Should it be Mary Lou McDonald in the south, she
0:28:03 > 0:28:08probably is going to take over unopposed.As soon as Gerry Adams
0:28:08 > 0:28:17appears in the conference hall we will cross over to that. We are just
0:28:17 > 0:28:19seeing members of the leadership team introduced and the party
0:28:19 > 0:28:24faithful being prepared for Mr Adams to appear and make that speech. It
0:28:24 > 0:28:34was clear from what Louise O'Reilly had to say and Conor Murphy had to
0:28:34 > 0:28:42say, they are not playing time that it is going to be significant.If
0:28:42 > 0:28:45this turned out to be an anti-climax, and he said I'm going
0:28:45 > 0:28:50to be here for the next ten years! That won't happen. The only issue is
0:28:50 > 0:28:55the timing of this. Now that they have put him place provision for the
0:28:55 > 0:29:01special ard fheis to elect a leader, or anointed leader, we will hear
0:29:01 > 0:29:06something more about when he will go. In the interim, what role he
0:29:06 > 0:29:14might continue to play. This idea of him remaining as president but Mary
0:29:14 > 0:29:19Lou McDonald becomes the equivalent of Michelle O'Neill, the leader in
0:29:19 > 0:29:24the south and the leader in the North, he would take a step back,
0:29:24 > 0:29:29potentially. I think that is likely. That would be a way of letting go
0:29:29 > 0:29:33more gracefully than simply standing down as president and having no rule
0:29:33 > 0:29:39to fulfil. That is likely to happen. They could well be that we see this
0:29:39 > 0:29:44can nature of two women potentially, in both parts of the island of
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Ireland, taking on the leadership of the party. If that were to be the
0:29:48 > 0:29:52case whether that would prove to be a sisterly collective leadership or
0:29:52 > 0:29:58not we would have to wait and see.I think Mr Adams's arrival in the
0:29:58 > 0:30:01conference hall is imminent. It will be interesting to see who introduces
0:30:01 > 0:30:07him. It could well be Mary Lou McDonald, which makes sense, she is
0:30:07 > 0:30:13his deputy, likely to be his successor.Germany on her? Yes, it
0:30:13 > 0:30:17is. Other things happened with Martin McGuinness who sadly passed
0:30:17 > 0:30:23away this year, I thought it would have been him that would have done
0:30:23 > 0:30:31the introductions. With the wind in their seals, and with Mary Lou
0:30:31 > 0:30:36McDonald deputy president, that is the most likely.
0:30:36 > 0:30:44Wilford, there is a week party and there is coverage of this in BBC
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Northern Ireland and on the Parliament channel. There is a lot
0:30:47 > 0:30:53of interest in this.It is testament to which is a strategist Gerry Adams
0:30:53 > 0:30:58has brought Sinn Fein from the margins to the mainstream, both in
0:30:58 > 0:31:07the north and the South. 20 years ago, Sinn Fein was pulling two or 3%
0:31:07 > 0:31:14in general elections and now, says they have had this policy change, in
0:31:14 > 0:31:19particular, preparing to enter as a junior partner, it shows the extent
0:31:19 > 0:31:25to which Sinn Fein have become a major player, not only in the island
0:31:25 > 0:31:32of Ireland but in the UK, too. The whole elliptical narrative across
0:31:32 > 0:31:41the UK and Ireland is shaped by Brexit. In opposing any kind of
0:31:41 > 0:31:47Brexit, sadly they want to have a special dispensation for Northern
0:31:47 > 0:31:51Ireland, remain in the customs union, stay in the single market,
0:31:51 > 0:31:57the rich to Europe, to the EU, and that is this very strong, hard hand
0:31:57 > 0:32:06of cards to play.I'm going to interrupter. That was to resist
0:32:06 > 0:32:11Ferris, she is introducing Gerry Adams, and he has appeared to have
0:32:11 > 0:32:15taken her by surprise and is embracing her at the moment. Let's
0:32:15 > 0:32:28just listen to what is being said. And, tonight... If you let me speak
0:32:28 > 0:32:35for you, in front of all our Wellcome and national get and those
0:32:35 > 0:32:40watching us at home, I say on your behalf, no other political leader in
0:32:40 > 0:32:44this country would have their membership united in saying that we
0:32:44 > 0:32:52absolutely admire and respect but above all, we love this great giant
0:32:52 > 0:32:57on whose shoulders we stand and no matter what he tells us tonight, he
0:32:57 > 0:33:02will always, always be our leader.
0:33:10 > 0:33:18So, that was Theresa Ferris, Martin Ferris is daughter, she is a
0:33:18 > 0:33:23councillor in Council -- County Terry. Sinn Fein is asking delegates
0:33:23 > 0:33:34to take his seat.A special welcome to friends of Sinn Fein USA and
0:33:34 > 0:33:38representatives of the North American labour movement. And best
0:33:38 > 0:33:46wishes to the President, Jim Coleman, who is seriously ill.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58Two friends of Sinn Fein in Canada and welcome to our comrades from
0:33:58 > 0:34:03Cuba, Greece, from Britain, from the Basque country, and from all our
0:34:03 > 0:34:14forensic and trees and diplomats.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26-- love and solidarity greetings to the people of Palestine and the Gaza
0:34:26 > 0:34:46Strip. And solidarity also to the people of Catalonia.
0:34:50 > 0:35:00HE SPEAKS GAELIC.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16We miss Martin, we miss all those comrades who died in the last year
0:35:16 > 0:35:28and in the decades of conflict. I was first elected in 1983. The war
0:35:28 > 0:35:33in the North was waging, it was raging, and the Highlander strikes
0:35:33 > 0:35:38two years before and the deaths of Robbie sounds, they had dramatically
0:35:38 > 0:35:53altered the political landscape. -- Bobby Sands. We were brought into a
0:35:53 > 0:35:59new phase of struggle. Republicans had been at the heart of a culture
0:35:59 > 0:36:06of resistance, correctly, when I stressed this, correctly standing
0:36:06 > 0:36:17strong against the brutality of the British state.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25Our leadership said about transforming bad culture into a
0:36:25 > 0:36:31culture of change. In my first Ard Fheis speech, I said we needed and
0:36:31 > 0:36:37all Ireland Scoble bash struggle. I warned against Sinn Fein activists
0:36:37 > 0:36:41standing on the sidelines, isolated from the people, and that imperative
0:36:41 > 0:36:46holds true today. I told that Ard Fheis that Sinn Fein policies are
0:36:46 > 0:36:51not just some pleasant aims for some future hope of a united Ireland,
0:36:51 > 0:36:58what our top practical policies are that can get leadership and provide
0:36:58 > 0:37:04results. I reiterated our goals, the unity of the people and the end of
0:37:04 > 0:37:08partition. It is hard to say reiterated when you are stuck up
0:37:08 > 0:37:15here. This had to, I said, and has two include our unionist neighbours,
0:37:15 > 0:37:20who have every right to a full and equal involvement in shaping the
0:37:20 > 0:37:26future of this Ireland. And I can say now that the economy should
0:37:26 > 0:37:30serve the people, not the other way round. The struggle, that struggle
0:37:30 > 0:37:36for equality and fairness continues and Sinn Fein, your party, and I and
0:37:36 > 0:37:50the leadership of that battle. 20 years ago,... HE
0:37:59 > 0:38:12now we have 23 TD members, for MEP members, 27 MLAs, seven MPs and over
0:38:12 > 0:38:26250 councillors and today, over half a million people vote for Sinn Fein.
0:38:29 > 0:38:36Furthermore, the perpetual unionist majority built into the gerrymander
0:38:36 > 0:38:47to northern states is gone. HE SPEAKS GAELIC. If I was asked by
0:38:47 > 0:38:54anybody, how do we measure Sinn Fein, I would say... Judge us on the
0:38:54 > 0:39:00changes we think about. That is what Sinn Fein is. Republican party for
0:39:00 > 0:39:14positive change and equality the people. Who here remembers Margaret
0:39:14 > 0:39:21Thatcher? For many of my Generation Game she will be forever linked with
0:39:21 > 0:39:25the hunger strikes, but she is more than that, her right wing
0:39:25 > 0:39:28conservative government increased poverty and destroyed lives.
0:39:28 > 0:39:35Thatcherism was fun big business and the elites, Thatcher was against
0:39:35 > 0:39:40workers' rights and against public services. Do you similarities?
0:39:40 > 0:39:53Thatcher is gone... Thatcher is gone but her legacy lives on in our
0:39:53 > 0:39:59Taoiseach. His Republic limited to 26 counties extends only to those
0:39:59 > 0:40:05who get up early in the morning to go to the gym on their way to a
0:40:05 > 0:40:15highly paid job with big expenses and gold-plated mansions. Well, good
0:40:15 > 0:40:22luck to them but Sinn Fein makes no apologies for also standing with
0:40:22 > 0:40:26those who get up early to commute into cities where they cannot afford
0:40:26 > 0:40:37to live. We stand... We stand with those who get up early to drop their
0:40:37 > 0:40:42children to school or the childminder, if they can get
0:40:42 > 0:40:46childcare. We stand with those who care for sick friends or neighbours
0:40:46 > 0:40:50or family, we stand with those living in rural Ireland without
0:40:50 > 0:40:55proper services and opportunities. We stand with those unable to work.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00We stand with citizens who work long hours for low pay offer who struggle
0:41:00 > 0:41:12to pay health costs. Taoiseach is a contradiction in the public. How can
0:41:12 > 0:41:17Micheal Martin say he is for an island for all when he is propping
0:41:17 > 0:41:30up the government for the few. This conservative... This is 1 million
0:41:30 > 0:41:36miles away from the vision of the 1960 proper. A genuine republic
0:41:36 > 0:41:48would not allow over 3000 children to be homeless. It would not allow
0:41:48 > 0:41:53patients, many of them elderly, some offence vulnerable children, to be
0:41:53 > 0:41:59lying on hospital trolleys, or 600 thousand people on hospital waiting
0:41:59 > 0:42:03lists. A genuine republic would support citizens with intellectual
0:42:03 > 0:42:07or physical disabilities and their families. A genuine republic would
0:42:07 > 0:42:12not tolerate disadvantage and inequality or corruption and
0:42:12 > 0:42:17scandals. Sinn Fein has a different set of core values from the elites
0:42:17 > 0:42:23who run this Ireland. We believe in nights, we believe in freedom, we
0:42:23 > 0:42:28believe in equality, we believe in solidarity.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39Sinn Fein believes that society must be shaped so that all citizens can
0:42:39 > 0:42:44achieve their full potential. That includes citizens in rural Ireland.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49We make no apologies for standing up for public services, including a
0:42:49 > 0:42:54genuine health service across this island. We believe in everyone's
0:42:54 > 0:42:58right to a home. We also want to extend the vote, in presidential
0:42:58 > 0:43:03elections, to the north and to the diaspora and Sinn Fein fully
0:43:03 > 0:43:18supports the repeal of the eighth Amendment. Women and their doctors
0:43:18 > 0:43:25need legal protection. Women deserve and are entitled to be trusted and
0:43:25 > 0:43:37respected, that is the Sinn Fein message. Brexit is the single
0:43:37 > 0:43:41greatest threat to Irish people for generations and that is why we
0:43:41 > 0:43:45oppose the referendum and why we have consistently is called for
0:43:45 > 0:43:49special status for the north within the European Union. Of course we are
0:43:49 > 0:43:53critical of the European Union but I want to amend our spokespersons on
0:43:53 > 0:43:59this issue and especially our team of MEPs who are like the Irish
0:43:59 > 0:44:04government have shown real leadership. -- who, unlike the Irish
0:44:04 > 0:44:10government, have shown real leadership. The government has only
0:44:10 > 0:44:15recently wakened up to the reality that Brexit and the British
0:44:15 > 0:44:20government terms are not acceptable, will be disastrous for Irish
0:44:20 > 0:44:25businesses and farming in every single part of this island, it will
0:44:25 > 0:44:29destroy the rights of citizens in the north, it is not compatible with
0:44:29 > 0:44:33the Good Friday Agreement, Leo Varadkar needs to stand up in the
0:44:33 > 0:44:38interests of all the people of this island, he has a veto, Leo should
0:44:38 > 0:44:43use the veto.
0:44:48 > 0:44:58He needs to be more like Michael Collins, and less like Hugh Grant.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06The executive collapsed ten months ago when Martin McGuinness resigned
0:45:06 > 0:45:12following allegations from within the DUP of corruption by the DUP.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16Since March, led by the Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein has been working
0:45:16 > 0:45:21hard to restore the political institutions. We want to deliver for
0:45:21 > 0:45:25everyone in the north on the basis of respect, tolerance and equality
0:45:25 > 0:45:28and the denial of these modest rights would not be tolerated in
0:45:28 > 0:45:34Dublin, order London, and they will not be tolerated in the six counties
0:45:34 > 0:45:47in the north of this island. APPLAUSE.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54The DUP's opposition to these basic rights mean there is no executive
0:45:54 > 0:45:58and the British government has been complicit in this. Through a pact
0:45:58 > 0:46:04with the DUP, Theresa May has privatised -- prioritised to run
0:46:04 > 0:46:11political survival. We met with the Taoiseach this week and we will meet
0:46:11 > 0:46:17with the British feminist next week. The executive is to be used
0:46:17 > 0:46:21re-established, the rule of the Irish government will be decisive.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26It cannot be neutered on this matter. These issues are not going
0:46:26 > 0:46:30away and the only way forward is through honouring agreements, not
0:46:30 > 0:46:42breaking them. APPLAUSE.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46No British government has any right to any involvement in Irish affairs,
0:46:46 > 0:46:51that is our credo. But until the British government believes our
0:46:51 > 0:46:55country the least they can do is deliver on their obligations and the
0:46:55 > 0:47:00least and Irish government can do is to insist on this.
0:47:00 > 0:47:08APPLAUSE. Those of us who want a united
0:47:08 > 0:47:11Ireland must articulate that clearly and in the context of the Good
0:47:11 > 0:47:14Friday Agreement and we have to persuade or Unionist neighbours to
0:47:14 > 0:47:21support a new Ireland in which Orange and Green can live together
0:47:21 > 0:47:26in prosperity and harmony. We have so much in common. We have to ensure
0:47:26 > 0:47:33that everyone's rights are underpinned and unionists have to
0:47:33 > 0:47:38have their rights guaranteed. The future is for the people to decide
0:47:38 > 0:47:40peacefully and democratically. Several months ago I wrote to the
0:47:40 > 0:47:46leaders of the political parties proposing the establishment of an
0:47:46 > 0:47:52all-party committee on Irish unity. The foil macro leader has rejected
0:47:52 > 0:48:02this, so has the Taoiseach. Why? Is that telling that these leaders are
0:48:02 > 0:48:08preventing the Irish parliament from discussing the future of this
0:48:08 > 0:48:16island? APPLAUSE.What will Sinn Fein to?
0:48:16 > 0:48:21Sinn Fein will bring forward a White Paper on Irish unity. Sinn Fein will
0:48:21 > 0:48:26make the aim of the new United arrogant... Shindler will campaign
0:48:26 > 0:48:31for a referendum on unity be held and to be won in the next five
0:48:31 > 0:48:42years. APPLAUSE.
0:48:42 > 0:48:49So don't let Leo or Michael tell you that this is not right or not
0:48:49 > 0:48:53achievable. It is achievable and it will be achieved with or without
0:48:53 > 0:48:59them. APPLAUSE.
0:49:03 > 0:49:08Sinn Fein will be in government in the North if and when there is
0:49:08 > 0:49:12agreement. We need to prepare also for being in government on
0:49:12 > 0:49:22Republican terms in Dublin.
0:49:23 > 0:49:29The deal, Fianna Fail, the leaderships of the Dublin
0:49:29 > 0:49:32establishment, they don't want Sinn Fein in government because they and
0:49:32 > 0:49:37their cronies have run this state for nearly 100 years in their own
0:49:37 > 0:49:40interests. They know that we were bring an end to corruption, enter
0:49:40 > 0:50:00cronyism.APPLAUSE. They know that as Sinn Fein led
0:50:00 > 0:50:03government will mind people if they are in trouble they will help them,
0:50:03 > 0:50:11is someone has fallen down they will pick them up. That is the sort of
0:50:11 > 0:50:14government that is needed, a government of the quality, decency
0:50:14 > 0:50:23and fairness. Now, my friends, I am very proud to have served Sinn Fein
0:50:23 > 0:50:29since 1983. Of course, before my time, hard time, there were other
0:50:29 > 0:50:37leaders who kept the flame alive. We are also very conscious that 20 of
0:50:37 > 0:50:40members were murdered during the conflict. We are indebted to them
0:50:40 > 0:50:52their families. APPLAUSE.
0:50:54 > 0:50:59Last year, Martin McGuinness and I said there was a plan for change in
0:50:59 > 0:51:04the party leadership is part of the process of regeneration and renewal.
0:51:04 > 0:51:09I thought we needed to come here to tell you, not to tell the media, but
0:51:09 > 0:51:16to tell you, our comrades. Ten years after entering government with Ian
0:51:16 > 0:51:19Paisley, Martin's intention was to step down as Deputy First Minister
0:51:19 > 0:51:28on the 8th of May. Then life punched us in the face. Martin's illness
0:51:28 > 0:51:32brought that date forward. Martin was a leading member of leadership
0:51:32 > 0:51:37team. I have been enormously privileged to be part of an amazing
0:51:37 > 0:51:43and evolving collective leadership. It has included in times past in
0:51:43 > 0:51:46hard and oppressive times and in different phases of national level,
0:51:46 > 0:51:56people like Joe Kassel, Mitchel McLaughlin, Johnny Morris, Martin
0:51:56 > 0:52:06himself, Tom Hartley, Jim Gibney, Ted, Desi, Don, Martin Ferris and
0:52:06 > 0:52:22many many more. APPLAUSE.
0:52:22 > 0:52:27Some of them remain active today along with many others, too many for
0:52:27 > 0:52:33me to acknowledge. If you were not mentioned in that list please don't
0:52:33 > 0:52:36take the needle. Everybody's contribution is important,
0:52:36 > 0:52:42everybody's contribution is valued. I'm looking back on the history that
0:52:42 > 0:52:47has passed. I am delighted to see so many of these comrades here,
0:52:47 > 0:53:03especially Councillor Joe Riley. APPLAUSE.
0:53:09 > 0:53:14Many comrades have given their entire lives to our struggle. They
0:53:14 > 0:53:20sobbing on the hardship of the moment and Bristol. And that
0:53:20 > 0:53:23resilience is opposed by those who uphold the start of school, but
0:53:23 > 0:53:28despite them we have prevailed. One of our greatest achievements has
0:53:28 > 0:53:34been with John Hume and others to build the peace process. We have
0:53:34 > 0:53:38also recast Sinn Fein into an effect of All-Ireland republican party with
0:53:38 > 0:53:42clear policy and political objectives and the need -- it means
0:53:42 > 0:53:45to achieve them through democratic and peaceful forms of struggle where
0:53:45 > 0:53:57none existed before. APPLAUSE.
0:53:57 > 0:54:01Republicanism has never been stronger. This is our time. We will
0:54:01 > 0:54:05grow even stronger in the future, but leadership means knowing when it
0:54:05 > 0:54:13is time for change. And that is now. I will not be standing for the Dail
0:54:13 > 0:54:19in the next election, neither will Martin Dallas -- Martin Ferris. I
0:54:19 > 0:54:24want to thank Martin four years of service to the Republic. This is
0:54:24 > 0:54:38also my last ard fheis... APPLAUSE.
0:54:46 > 0:54:57CHEERING. This is also my last ard fheis...
0:54:57 > 0:55:06This is the important bit! This is also my last ard fheis as president.
0:55:06 > 0:55:14I will ask the incoming president for a date for a special ard fheis.
0:55:14 > 0:55:19I have always seen myself as a team player, team builder and I have
0:55:19 > 0:55:22complete confidence in the leaders we have elected this weekend and
0:55:22 > 0:55:26then the next generation of leaders and I want to thank everyone who has
0:55:26 > 0:55:30welcomed me into their homes and communities and made the part of
0:55:30 > 0:55:33countless campaigns, Konnor selections and countless
0:55:33 > 0:55:39negotiations. I want to especially thank the people of West Belfast and
0:55:39 > 0:55:42County Louth for your unswerving support and solidarity. I firmly
0:55:42 > 0:55:46believe that one person can make a difference. The first step in making
0:55:46 > 0:55:51a difference as believing that you can be that person. One woman, one
0:55:51 > 0:55:56man doing their best. That is what it takes. You don't have to do as
0:55:56 > 0:56:01much as Martin McGuinness did, but we all have to do our best and do it
0:56:01 > 0:56:06together. That has been the key of our successes so far, doing our
0:56:06 > 0:56:13best, moving forward, United, strong and together. You are important, you
0:56:13 > 0:56:22are the nation builders, you are the makers of the future.
0:56:22 > 0:56:27APPLAUSE. Finally, my thanks to Collett. I
0:56:27 > 0:56:37have been very lucky... APPLAUSE.
0:56:37 > 0:56:45We are now married 47 years. There have been ups and downs, Belfast
0:56:45 > 0:56:50prison, long cash, H blocks, and years of life on the run. But Love
0:56:50 > 0:56:55has prevailed over everything life has thrown at us.
0:56:55 > 0:57:08APPLAUSE. We have been blessed with the best
0:57:08 > 0:57:14son anyone could wish for and the best daughter-in-law, and with them
0:57:14 > 0:57:32came there for children.APPLAUSE. So I would like my friend Martin
0:57:32 > 0:57:41Ferris to come up here with me. I'm feeling lonely. We are going to
0:57:41 > 0:57:47continue to go forward.
0:57:51 > 0:58:02APPLAUSE. So, Gerry Adams standing shoulder to
0:58:02 > 0:58:07shoulder with the veteran Republican Martin Ferris, his long-time friends
0:58:07 > 0:58:12and political associates. They are jointly taking the applause of the
0:58:12 > 0:58:20delegates at the 2017 ard fheis. Gerry Adams has made clear, as
0:58:20 > 0:58:23expected, but he is not going to be president of Sinn Fein this time
0:58:23 > 0:58:30next year. That is his last speech as Sinn Fein president at an ard
0:58:30 > 0:58:35fheis. You will not stand for elections again. Warm embraces on
0:58:35 > 0:58:42the platform. Rick, a quick word from you.It is what we expected.
0:58:42 > 0:58:46Sometime between now and this time next year he was going. I confident
0:58:46 > 0:58:47speech.
0:58:47 > 0:58:49That's it from this year's Sinn Fein ard fheis.
0:58:49 > 0:58:51We'll be back with the DUP conference next Saturday.
0:58:51 > 0:58:53Tomorrow, I'll be back with Sunday Politics
0:58:53 > 0:58:54at 11.35am on BBC One, including an interview
0:58:54 > 0:58:56with Sinn Fein's Stormont leader, Michelle O'Neill.
0:58:56 > 0:58:58So for now, goodbye.