TWO hardline republican parties have appointed members from the north to key leadership positions.
Prominent Newry republican Stephen Murney has been selected as chairman of Saoradh, which held its Ard Fheis on Saturday in his home city.
The former republican prisoner replaces Brian Kenna, who had led the party since 2018.
Several statements were read during the conference including one on behalf of republican prisoners.
A message of solidarity was also delivered on behalf of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
During his address Mr Murney was critical of the Stormont institutions.
"This particular institution has been a failure since its inception," he said.
"This is all the outworking of partition.
"The solution is simple.
"End partition and put in place a system that ends the exploitation of humankind by humankind."
Meanwhile, Martin Kelly, from Beragh in Co Tyrone, was elected to the position of vice president of Republican Sinn Féin (RSF) at its party's Ard Fheis in Dublin on Saturday.
During a wide-ranging address RSF president Seosamh Ó Maoileoin highlighted the party's Éire Nua policy, which proposes a federal solution to the united Ireland issue.
"Our Éire Nua and Saol Nua policies provide a solution to much of our country’s ills," he said.
"These programmes must be pushed to the limit."
RSF officials also claimed that Garda Special Branch officers were present at the Ard Fheis venue and took the names of some delegates.
