Prominent Sinn Fein activists in two of the party's heartlands in the Republic - north Kerry and Cork - are against changing Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution, but say they will support their leadership's call for a Yes vote in the referendums.
This positive development for the leadership comes as it strives to bring with it some of the most dyed-in-the-wool republicans in the State.
Mr Martin Ferris, a Sinn Fein ardchomhairle member from Ardfert, near Tralee, Co Kerry, told The Irish Times that the "enormous reservations" which existed within the rank and file membership about the Belfast Agreement would be debated on the floor of the ardfheis and "it will be up to the floor to express its opinion."
A majority of the membership in the Republic, he added, was of the view that the Dublin Government, together with the SDLP, had agreed to the British political view of Irish politics and had "acquiesced."
Mr Ferris said that misgivings notwithstanding, he believed Sinn Fein in Kerry "will bring everybody with them in support of the leadership and the peace process. We will definitely support the leadership. If the peace process is exercised in a positive way, it has the potential to bring lasting peace.
"Everything will depend on how the Good Friday document is put into effect," he added.
Asked about reports that he had suggested those responsible for the death of Det Garda Jerry McCabe in Adare, Co Limerick, in 1996 be released under the terms of the Belfast Agreement, Mr Ferris said he had not delivered an ultimatum, but it should be borne in mind that as of yet, nobody had been convicted of the murder.
"If and when we arrive at a solution, everybody must be treated equally," he said.
Mr Billy Leen, a Sinn Fein member of Tralee Urban District Council, said he believed the McCabe killing was politically motivated.
He chaired a recent meeting of Sinn Fein in north Kerry at which up to 50 members of the party conducted "an intensive debate" on the proposed changes to Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution. "The floor said `no," he added. "The debate was hot and heavy, and inclusive. Many Southern republicans will not stomach this. Articles 2 and 3 are the essence of republicanism - to leave them go would be a serious statement for Sinn Fein in the South to make. Most people in the South will say No.
"On the other hand, the two articles haven't meant much to people living in the North all these years, and so for them, there is a different perspective.
"Having said that, I'm convinced that on all sides, the leadership will be supported by an overall majority at the ardfheis. There is no contradiction in this. People will make their fundamental views known on the core issues and then row in behind the leadership," he said.
Mr Donal Cusack, press officer for Sinn Fein in Kerry North, said that in the last general election Mr Ferris's first preferences totalled 5,691, and he had risen to 7,294 when he was eliminated. His first preference performance, Mr Cusack pointed out, was better than either of the two Fianna Fail candidates in the field - Mr Tom McEllistrim Jnr and the sitting TD, Mr Denis Foley.
He said that while paid-up membership of Sinn Fein in North Kerry might not be significant, the party's vote showed an underlying support for the party. In Kerry South, where no candidate was fielded at the last election, there was also growing support, and at the next election, there would be a Sinn Fein candidate flying the party flag, he added.
He said that while there was almost 100 per cent opposition to any interference with Articles 2 and 3, there would be total support for a leadership "that has been through so much for so many years. What's the best way to put it? I suppose if I said that any political party would be proud to have our leadership on its side."
In recent weeks, Sinn Fein members in Cork city, calling themselves The Irish Freedom Campaign, have been campaigning against the agreement. Activists have been putting up posters across the city.