Assembly election sees SF trim conference

Sinn Féin have cut short their annual ard Fheis by one day because of the Northern Ireland Assembly Election, it emerged tonight.

Gerry Adams’ party had planned as usual to hold a three-day conference in Dublin between March 2 and 4.

However with Northern Ireland’s voters due to go to the polls on March 7, the party scrapped plans for their traditional final day Sunday session.

Mr Adams’ presidential address will instead close the conference on March 3.

Earlier this month Sinn Féin members gathered in Dublin for a special one-day ard Fheis on policing and voted for the first time to endorse the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

This year’s ard Fheis will also set the scene for the party’s General Election campaign Republic of Ireland, where they are hoping to build on their current tally of five Dáil seats.