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A vacancy at the top of Sinn Féin - what happens next?

Gerry Adams's own election in 1983, following the resignation of Ruairi Ó Brádaigh, was unopposed
Gerry Adams's own election in 1983, following the resignation of Ruairi Ó Brádaigh, was unopposed Gerry Adams's own election in 1983, following the resignation of Ruairi Ó Brádaigh, was unopposed

Saturday, 18 Nov 2017

Gerry Adams tells ard fheis delegates he will step down as president of Sinn Féin next year and he will not run again for the Dáil.

Delegates vote to hold a special ard fheis three months after the departure at which his successor will be appointed.

Nov/Dec 2017

Sinn Féin's ard comhairle expected to meet in the next fornight to start planning towards the extraordinary ard fheis.

2018

Gerry Adams has only indicated that his retirement will take place "next year" and that it will be before the November ard fheis.

When he does it will trigger a contest, culminating in the appointment of a new leader three months later at an extraordinary Ard Fheis.

Seven days' notice of this special Ard Fheis must be given to all members, who will then select delegates to vote on their behalf.

Adams's own election in 1983, following the resignation of Ruairi Ó Brádaigh, was unopposed and so there was no leadership contest per se.