Sinn Féin delegates will gather this weekend knowing they may have to return for a special conference in weeks, writes Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent
The programme for the three-day Sinn Féin ardfheis is full to the brim, though many of the motions have the well-worn air of arguments which have been debated many times before.
In reality, the delegates meeting in the Royal Dublin Society's halls in Ballsbridge are in a holding formation, still unclear on the route they will have to travel in the weeks ahead.
Both the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, insist that they are not coming back to Hillsborough next month for another round of negotiations with the Northern parties.
The package will include a penalty points system to sanction parties for their own misbehaviour inside the Assembly and the Executive, or for the actions of shadowy figures.
So, Sinn Féin refuses to accept such a premise. Its imposition would be "a deal-breaker", declares Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams.
However, Sinn Féin equally wants a return of the Assembly and Executive.
Though once against Stormont rule for "a failed little statelet", Sinn Féin has taken to government like ducks to water. Indeed, Mr Martin McGuinness's performance in the education portfolio impressed even his enemies.
Though balking at the price demanded, Sinn Féin wants the Assembly and the Executive back in place before elections scheduled for May, believing it is on the brink of replacing the SDLP in nationalist affections.
Unwilling yet to answer demands to join the Policing Board, Sinn Féin will spend its time this weekend demanding the full implementation of the Patten Report on reforming the police.
However, the clearest sign of the way ahead on policing is offered by the Sinn Féin ard comhairle's motion, which demands the speedy transfer to the Assembly of powers to govern policing and justice decisions.
Sinn Féin's next step on policing, however, cannot be postponed forever. The chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Mr Hugh Orde, has already proved to be an astute campaigner.
Despite the pessimistic forecasts of many, the Policing Board has proven itself through many trials. Sooner, rather than later, Sinn Féin will join it, no doubt claiming that it has won concessions by staying outside so long.
In reality, the political price of staying out indefinitely is too high..
Reflecting US impatience at the lack of progress, Mr Bush went out of his way to laud Mr Orde earlier this month.
Vitally important to Sinn Féin, the US is busily engaged elsewhere. For example, the ardfheis will take place without the presence of any representatives from the US Congress.
"For years Sinn Féin and, to be fair, most of the other parties, went running off to Washington, or Dublin or London at every opportunity rather than sorting things out amongst themselves. The time is coming when that is not going to work any more for any of them. They'll have to stay at home and deal with matters themselves. Like normal adults," said one diplomat.
Up to now, Sinn Féin has been helped by rigid discipline in the ranks, though all are no longer happy.
This time, one north Belfast cumann has openly complained about Sinn Féin's rigid centralised structures, noting the "deep concern of our grassroots at the lack of information from our leadership during talks".
For now, however, such grumbles will remain muted.