Stay awake at the back..

Just in case no-one was paying attention, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness thoughtfully issued slightly modified statements just before and just after Christmas saying the same thing – i.e. not a lot. The PA report, though, correctly highlights what the statements don’t say

So far Sinn Fein has not even set a date for the special party delegate conference which it has to call to gain backing from its membership for support of the Police Service.

Update RTÉ reports SF to hold ard comhairle meeting tomorrow More Other parties’ responses hereThe report also points out

It is known the party faces a level of internal opposition to the idea of endorsing the police and Mr McGuinness gave no hint in his statement whether the party was getting any nearer getting a date for the all important conference.

Then there’s that little issue of MI5.. and other associated dilemmas

More on target dates, commitments, deadlines and conditions here.

Adds The RTÉ report has some of Gerry Adams’ statement

He said that if plans for an Ard Fheis were agreed, there would be ‘an intensive period of discussion within the party’ which would be led by party chairperson Mary Lou McDonald.

Mr Adams said Sinn Fein would consult with ‘the wider republican and nationalist community across the island, including the families of our patriot dead and victims of state murder and collusion’.