Gerry Adams expected to retire as president of Sinn Féin
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Gerry Adams expected to retire as president of Sinn Féin

The president of Sinn Féin is expected to announce his retirement from the party today.

The 69-year-old politician is due to deliver the news that he will finish his membership to the party at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis after 34 long years as leader.

The politician has been a member since 1983 and has seen the party go through numerous challenges during their existence - namely the Troubles.

The Sinn Féin leader was in the headlines just last week as the reason for his refusal to enter the White House as part of St. Patrick's Day celebrations was revealed.

Adams' position of leader is expected to be filled by current deputy leader of the party and MP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald, however, it is at the Ard Fheis that Adams will reveal how much longer he will spend as leader of the party

According to The Guardian, it is expected Michelle O'Neill would front the party in Stormont which leads the idea that two women will be leading the party.

Despite Adams' expected retirement, Irish republican sources say that Adams will still lead the party from behind the scenes, with Adams' announcement of retiring being dubbed by analysts as a move to improve the electoral chances of the party in the Republic of Ireland.