Gerry Adams: I intend to continue in leadership role with Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has refused to scotch rumours he may step down soon in the wake of disappointing election results for his party.

Mr Adams said Sinn Féin was now the main party representing working-class people after the party agreed to put his name forward for taoiseach tomorrow on the first day of the new Dáil.

The party leader also warned about larger parties, such as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, “shadowboxing” while the country remains without a fully-formed government.

However, Mr Adams, following recent speculation, refused to put to bed suggestions he may announce his decision to step down as president at the party at Sinn Fein’s ard fheis next month or at a later stage.

There were suggestions over the weekend that his resignation, if not next month, could be announced over the next 18 months so the next generation should take over the leadership.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Adams responded: “I have never discussed that with anyone, I don’t know where those rumours are coming from. If that scotches it, that’s scotched.”

However, pressed on whether this meant he would not be resigning, the Louth TD said: “You’re asking me to respond to a rumour. We are celebrating at our ard fheis the centenary, the exact date of the 1916 Rising, but we’re also looking forward to the future.

“And I intend, for as long as my health allows me, my family lets me and the party wants me, to continue in a leadership role.”

“When you give it 100%, which we all did, then the result is in the lap of the gods, or in this case, with the people,” he said.

Mr Adams dismissed suggestions that prior to the election the party was in line to win 27 seats or more. He said the party had never thought they would be able to win that many.

The Sinn Féin árd chomhairle met on Monday night, but responsibility on nominating Mr Adams for taoiseach was handed over to the party Oireachtas group, which decided yesterday.

“Sinn Féin will push for the Dáil to continue sitting, even if a government is not formed on Thursday, to ensure ministers are held accountable for their decisions and to ensure accountability on the issues affecting citizens,” said Mr Adams.

The party has also spoken to left-wing Independent TDs about its own considerations for forming a government. Mr Adams said his party would only support a “progressive” government coalition proposal.