GERRY Adams has said he has no plans to reveal when he will step down as leader of Sinn Féin.
The party president was speaking hours after the chairman of a branch in Co Cavan made an unprecedented call for him to retire.
Co Tyrone native Thomas Anthony McNulty (67), who heads up the party's Virginia Mullagh cumann, claimed there is a “groundswell of opinion” that the Louth TD is no longer the best person to lead Sinn Féin.
Mr McNulty has said he was angered by Mr Adams's insistence in an Irish News interview earlier this month that he was staying on as party leader - a role he has held since 1986.
His call came as two separate polls showed a dip in support for Sinn Fein in the Republic.
A Sunday Business Post/Red C survey put backing for the party at 13 per cent, a drop of two, while a Sunday Times Behaviour and Attitudes poll put Sinn Fein on 14 per cent - a slide of three points.
Fianna Fail's support was significantly up in both polls to around 30 per cent.
Speaking on Saturday, Mr Adams said he would not be as foolish as Enda Kenny and say when he might step down as leader of the party.
Mr Kenny has said he will not stay on beyond the Dail's current term.
The Sinn Féin president, who was flanked by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, said his party is democratic and all issues are open for debate.
Mr McGuinness also insisted his colleague enjoys overwhelming support within Sinn Féin.
Mr McNulty declined to comment last night but it is understood he has received messages of support from other Sinn Féin members.
A former IRA member, he was arrested for explosives offences and after skipping bail went on the run in the Republic.
In 2013 he published a book called ‘Exile’, which recounted his experiences.
Speaking to the Irish News last week he said: “I’m disappointed that this man hasn’t been able to see other people can do a better job than him.
“It’s nothing personal but it’s time to move over and give a younger, more dynamic person a chance.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has launched a party consultation on its strategic direction for the next 10 years.
The first of 46 meetings across Ireland took place in Dublin at the weekend.
Gerry Adams said a similar process was carried out in 2007.
“This democratisation of our strategy formulation is an opportunity for the national and regional leadership of Sinn Féin to set the agenda and map out our aspirations and ambitions for Ireland over the next decade, as we continue to work towards Irish unity and transformation of Irish society, north and south,” he said.
“Sinn Féin is very ambitious for our country and for our people.
“There are huge challenges at this time but there are also wonderful opportunities for progressive politics.”
