Adams to lay out resignation plans as Sinn Fein president

By David Hunter

Gerry Adams says he'll announce a timetable for stepping down as Sinn Fein President, if he's re-elected to the role in November. 

The party conference is likely to re-elect the veteran republican to the role - but he says it's time for a Generational change. 

At an event in Dublin this morning the 68 year old said it was time to "talk about the journey and challenges ahead ".

He said "Sinn Féin is currently finalising our ten-year plan. This has been the focus of much internal discussion for the last year.

"It is about preparing the party for the next ten years and to ensure that we are better able to achieve our strategic objectives.

"At this event in this venue last year Martin McGuinness made it clear that we had a plan for orderly leadership change.

"None of us knew that Martin would become terminally ill and that we would meet this year without him.

"We don’t have time to reflect on these mysteries of life and death this morning or on the loss of such a wonderful comrade and leader.

"Suffice to say that we miss him deeply. It is our intention to unveil at the Ard Fheis in November the plan that he helped to formulate. 

"I will be allowing my name to go forward for the position of Uachtarán Shinn Féin. And, if elected, I will be setting out our priorities and in particular our planned process of generational change, including my own future intentions."

Mr. Adams also used a speech to talk about major political devolopments in Northern Ireland and the Republic, including housing, BREXIT, Healthcare and the crisis facing Stormont. 

It opens two days of discussions between Sinn Fein Activists gathered in Dublin.