Sinn Féin Ard Fheis Opens in Belfast as Party Eyes Unity Referendum by 2030
Sinn Féin's annual Ard Fheis has opened in Belfast today, with delegates gathering at the Waterfront Hall and International Convention Centre to debate 164 motions, including the cost-of-living crisis and the party's ambitions for a united Ireland referendum by 2030.
Key Speakers and Themes
John Finucane MP and Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill opened proceedings, with Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty delivering the keynote address on the first day. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald is expected to give a televised keynote speech on Saturday at 6:30pm on RTÉ One.
Michelle O'Neill told delegates that a referendum on Irish unity could "very conceivably" occur by 2030, signalling the party has not abandoned its central constitutional goal despite its current position in opposition in the Dáil.
Cost of Living and Electoral Context
The cost-of-living crisis is expected to dominate McDonald's speech, with the party seeking to highlight rising energy and food costs. The Ard Fheis takes place against a backdrop of varying public support — a recent IPSOS B&A poll in The Irish Times placed Sinn Féin at 26% nationally, making it the most popular party in Ireland, though polls in Northern Ireland indicate a decline ahead of upcoming Stormont Assembly elections.
The party currently holds 39 TDs in Dáil Éireann, 27 Assembly seats at Stormont, and seven Westminster MPs who adhere to the party's abstentionist policy. Two by-elections in Galway West and Dublin Central are also on the horizon.
Animal Rights Controversy
Two motions on fox hunting are on the agenda, with animal rights activists from the National Animal Rights Association staging protests outside the Waterfront Hall. Motion 28 proposes regulating the practice, while Motion 29 advocates for a complete ban.
What's Next
The Ard Fheis continues on Saturday, with Mary Lou McDonald's keynote speech expected to set the party's political direction for the year ahead. The conference marks a new spring schedule for the event, following the cancellation of the 2025 Ard Fheis.
