Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Belfast: Cost-of-Living, Health, and Fox Hunting Debates

The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis is continuing today in Belfast, where the party is expected to detail its strategies for addressing the cost-of-living crisis and enhancing the health service. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald is scheduled to deliver a televised address to delegates this evening at 6:30 PM on RTÉ One.

Ms. McDonald is anticipated to prioritize the cost of living in her speech, particularly in advance of two Dáil bye-elections next month, one of which is in her own constituency of Dublin Central. Last night, party Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty advocated for the immediate implementation of a mini-budget, emphasizing the government's need to support households.

In other proceedings, party members voted last night to endorse a ban on fox hunting, a decision reached by a relatively narrow margin following a protracted and occasionally contentious debate. The debate was briefly interrupted when the Belfast International Convention and Exhibition Centre was evacuated due to an alarm. Monaghan TDs Matt Carthy and Cathy Bennett spoke against the motion, while Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan and Kildare North TD Réada Cronin were among those who supported the ban.

Additionally, Ms. McDonald and First Minister Michelle O'Neill met with the family of Sean Brown, a murdered Derry GAA official, at the Ard Fheis. They subsequently stated their commitment to «continue to press the British Prime Minister to establish a public inquiry into Sean Brown's collusive and devastating murder without delay». Delegates will also deliberate on proposals aimed at strengthening public services and preparing for Irish Unity. Sinn Féin enters this Ard Fheis as Ireland's most popular party in opinion polls, though its current support is below its 2022 peak. A recent poll also indicated the party's lowest level of support in Northern Ireland in five years, ahead of next year's Stormont Assembly elections. Michelle O'Neill informed delegates that progress within the Executive has been slower than desired, acknowledging and sharing public frustration.