Jobs the biggest issue for delegates

Sinn Féin’s ard fheis comes at a moment when support for the party is on the rise, as it leads the opposition to this week’s referendum.

Sunshine certainly brought out the smiles at the conference in Killarney at the weekend, but it remains unclear what exactly delegates expect of the party’s leadership as it attempts to ground itself in middle Ireland.

Gerry Adams and his TDs have led the no campaign to the EU fiscal compact treaty in the Dáil and on the doorsteps. Delegates expressed confidence in Mr Adams and said if there was a time for him step aside as party president, it would be up to the Louth TD to decide.