SF prepare for ard fheis on policing

Sinn Féin is preparing for its ard fheis tomorrow in Dublin when the party will decide whether to endorse policing in the North.

It has held a series of meetings up and down the country to persuade the rank and file to support the Ard Chomhairle resolution.

Although only 50%-plus-one support will be needed to change policy, some observers say the leadership needs at least two-thirds in favour to make the decision convincing.

Party president, Gerry Adams, though is refusing to speculate.

"The one thing I am confident about, is that whatever the result of the ard fheis Sinn Féin will remain united," said Adams.

"The series of meetings we've done right across the island of Ireland have been hugely reinvigorating. They've been very open and democratic because people put up different and opposite positions."