SF Árd Fheis - Hopes of new beginning for Sinn Féin

The Árd Fheis marking the party’s 100th anniversary will be a more sombre occasion for Sinn Féin than might otherwise be expected in a celebratory year.

The milestone conference in the RDS in Dublin is overshadowed by the events of the past few weeks, which will cause the leadership and delegates to ponder what direction the party is to take.

They have two options. The party can continue on its present course and continue to be excluded from shaping the democratic future of the North, which it aspires to, or embark on the only route which will see that aspiration fulfilled.