20/11/2017

Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams To Step Down

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has announced that he will stand down from the party next year.

Mr Adams, who has led the party since 1983, made the announcement during his address to the party's Ard Fheis on Saturday, 18 November.

During his speech, Mr Adams praised the progress that the party had made, and said that he believed that they would grow strong in the future, but "leadership means knowing when it is time for change".

He continued: "That time is now. I will not be standing for the Dáil in the next election. This is also my last Ard Fheis as Uachtarán

Shinn Féin.

"I will ask the incoming Ard Chomhairle to agree a date in 2018 for a special Ard Fheis to elect our next Uachtarán."

Mr Adams added: "I have always seen myself as a team player and a team builder. I have complete confidence in the leaders we elected this weekend and in the next generation of leaders.

I want to thank everyone who has welcomed me into their homes and communities and who have made me part of countless campaigns, countless elections and countless negotiations.

"I want to especially thank the people of west Belfast, and the people of Louth, including Richard McAuley, for your unswerving support and solidarity, and your friendship.

"I firmly believe that one person can make a difference.

The first step in making a difference is believing that you can be that person. One woman – one man – doing their best. That's what it takes. That is the key to our successes so far."

(MH/LM)

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