Elaine Loughlin: Sinn Féin's challenge is to keep supporters north and south on the one road

Shifts in SF's stance on Palestine, and grassroots protests about them, is among the issues Mary Lou McDonald must manage

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald at the party's ard fheis in Athlone. A perceived U-turn on the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador came after McDonald attended meetings in the North where the party had taken significant flak over its stance. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA 

Securing all-island consensus could become an increasingly sticky point for the party with unity at its core, as Mary Lou McDonald’s rapid change of stance on Israel shows.

For some time now Sinn Féin has been edging its way towards the centre as it prepares for what it hopes will be a historic first term in government after the next general election.