SF to lay groundwork for election at Dublin Ard Fheis

Sinn Féin is preparing to lay the groundwork for the next general election at its annual Ard Fheis in Dublin this weekend.

The party today published a programme of motions for the annual conference dealing with areas such as the peace process, policing in the North, health, education and trade.

Speaking in Belfast, Martin McGuinness said Sinn Féin hoped to be in a position to form part of the next government after the general election.

"Given the proportional representation system in the 26 counties, you can never be absolutely sure, but there is a definite feeling out there that there are going to be substantial increases for Sinn Féin," he said.

Meanwhile, speaking in Dublin, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said Sinn Féin would be focusing on its own policies and would only consider coalition offers after the election.

However, he ruled out any possibility of the party entering government with the Progressive Democrats.