It was a unique experience at a Sinn Féin ardfheis and one delegates were absolutely delighted with. The party got over 5 cent of the general election vote last year and was entitled to live television coverage on RTÉ for the first time.
"It shows how far we have come and how far the people have come," said Ms Chris Huddleston.
Ms Huddleston, from north Belfast, said: "The people got us here by having faith." As for the chances of making a deal next month to re-establish the North's institutions, she wasn't sure. "I don't know what will be happening. There's so much else to think of, the elections, just getting on with the day-to-day activities."
Two Galway students, however, are happy to follow their leaders on a deal. "It's up to Gerry Adams and the executive. We will take direction from them," said Mr Patrick Murphy. Mr Adam Keane agreed and was also pleased RTÉ was covering the ardfheis live. "It's almost 10 years since the ban was lifted," he said. "Sinn Féin will reach more people now."
Mr Peadar Toibin, from Navan, felt it was a "pretty good" ardfheis with wide-ranging debates. Mr Toibin, who got interested in Sinn Féin during the hunger strikes, has his doubts about whether a deal can be reached in the peace process next month.
"I don't think the governments are going to drop their demands, and Sinn Féin aren't going to give in, so I have a slightly negative view," he said.
Mr Gerry McMonagle, from Letterkenny, was impressed with the debates and with the professionalism Sinn Féin was starting to show.
