From the RDS
I took the early train down to the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in Dublin, so wasn't present last night when Martin McGuinness accused Sir Reg Empey of a dismal failure in political leadership. That was his response to the Ulster Unionists withholding their support from the Hillsborough deal at this stage.
In the past we have witnessed potentially historic decisions being taken by Sinn Fein delegates, so it's a bit of a change this year when the Ulster Unionists appear instead to be in the box seat.
The more relaxed atmosphere gave me time to ponder some of the side attractions at the Ard Fheis - hurley sticks on sale commemorating Michael Collins and Bobby Sands, Tiocfaidh Ar La mousemats and a republican mineral water poster, labelled "Only Our Rivers Run Free".
The clar or agenda has a handy guide at the front to Irish phrases likely to be used from the platform. One motion advocates all party material to be printed bi-lingually incuding "raffle tickets" and "dinner dance tickets".
A South Sligo cumann wants the use of plastic coated campaign posters for all parties to be eliminated - let's watch for this one to be implemented in time for the Westminster election.
A Lucan branch opposes any move to relocate the Abbey Theatre to the GPO building, maintaining that any future plans for the site should only include a museum marking the 1916 rising.
As I write Mary Lou McDonald is on stage attacking the current coalition in Dublin as confused and chaotic. However Sinn Fein wants the option of joining a future coalition - last night the leadership beat off an attempt by some grassroots supporters to rule out any deal with Fianna Fail or Fine Gael.
Martin McGuinness will again take to the stage soon, whilst Gerry Adams isn't due until this evening. His speech will be broadcast later on 91Èȱ¬2. I'm expecting them both to stand behind Caitriona Ruane's education policy and to reject the UUP's demands for a rethink on academic selection as a price for backing the Hillsborough deal.
I'm 
Comments