Northern Ireland

Allison Morris: Gerry Adams is preparing to hand over the baton to leader-in-waiting Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said he would detail the party's "planned process of generational change" after November. Picture by Brian Lawless, Press Association
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said he would detail the party's "planned process of generational change" after November. Picture by Brian Lawless, Press Association Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said he would detail the party's "planned process of generational change" after November. Picture by Brian Lawless, Press Association

Speculation about if and when Gerry Adams will step down as Sinn Féin leader has been going on for years.

He has now said publicly he will set out his future intentions - ‘if’ he is re-elected at the party's Ard Fheis - in November.

There was no need for him to include the word ‘if’. Despite his marmite persona his position as party president was never in any jeopardy. It is inconceivable that he would be challenged for the top role.

The party faithful are unquestionably loyal to their leader, his arrival at election counts or Sinn Féin rallies and conferences is met with almost hysterical adoration.

Last year both Adams and deputy leader Martin McGuinness indicated that they were working towards retirement.

McGuinness had that decision stolen from him due to ill health. He died in March.

His old friend Adams now looks set to do that rare thing in politics and leave of his own accord before circumstances force his hand.

Last year both Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein deputy leader Martin McGuinness indicated that they were working towards retirement. McGuinness dies in March. Picture by PA
Last year both Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein deputy leader Martin McGuinness indicated that they were working towards retirement. McGuinness dies in March. Picture by PA Last year both Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein deputy leader Martin McGuinness indicated that they were working towards retirement. McGuinness dies in March. Picture by PA

Political careers can often result in a tainted legacy by the macho need to hold onto power and influence when the time to retire has long since past.

Adams has said he would detail the party's "planned process of generational change" after November.

That undoubtedly means handing over to leader-in-waiting Mary Lou McDonald and advancing the party's all Ireland plans - despite what members are officially saying.

This relies in part on a disastrous Brexit advancing the argument for a border poll.

Adams can't go on forever - no one can - but will his retirement as president mean he will disappear from public life?

That I doubt, he is a man who has lived in the glare of publicity all his life, he knows no other way, an ambassador role seems more likely.