Sinn Féin Árd Fheis - Questions remain to be answered

SINN FÉIN’S historic Árd Fheis, the first since the IRA took the bomb and the bullet out of Irish politics, effectively set the scene for the party’s bid to increase its Dáil representation in next year’s general election.

While most parties oppose getting into bed with Sinn Féin, the organisation is leaving all options open in the hope of holding the balance of power in the Dáil. However, most delegates were against doing business with the PDs.

While the IRA “war” may be over, the frustrating thing for Sinn Féin is the failure to reap political dividends from putting weapons beyond use. Despite decommissioning, the opinion polls reflect no increase in its electoral support.