Growing political confidence and a sense of transition were two of the most obvious elements present during the Sinn Féin ardfheis, in Dublin, at the weekend. Delegates celebrated the political gains made in recent Dáil, Northern Assembly and Westminster elections
And by harnessing a resurgent nationalism, they anticipated further, rapid progress. Undercurrents of uncertainty surrounded the possibility of life without the IRA, while the seismic changes that would be required if the party participated in the Northern Ireland Policing Board generated conflicting responses.
Those seeking specific direction and transparency were disappointed. Key figures continued to use elliptical language. The party president, Mr Gerry Adams, openly acknowledged that change was underway, while signalling that concessions were still being sought from the two Governments. He could, Mr Adams told the ardfheis, envisage life without the IRA. He could also envisage Sinn Féin joining a Northern Ireland Policing Board. But the time for the latter development was not yet right and would not be before the Assembly elections. There would have to be further developments in Northern Ireland security legislation, a debate within the party and a special ardfheis, before that could happen.
The contributions of a wide range of speakers suggested, however, that a political end-game is in sight. Veteran republican, Mr Joe Cahill, told delegates they had won the war and now must win the peace. Mr Mitchell McLaughlin accepted that progress had been made on policing issues. And the party's chief negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness, said republicans were moving forward in "an irreversible way" and spoke of the need for new policing arrangements and devolved powers.
Time is short, with Assembly elections scheduled for May 29th. Sinn Féin is anxious to fight those elections with the Northern Ireland institutions in place. But it is reluctant to accept an International Monitoring Body or to participate in policing arrangements in advance of British Government moves to transfer security and justice powers to the Executive and Assembly. Such hesitancy is counter-productive and will raise question marks in the minds of unionists about the quality of any commitment to stand down the IRA and to end republican paramilitary activity.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has indicated that he and the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, will return to Hillsborough in mid-April to seek acceptance by the pro-Agreement parties of the terms of the "shared understanding" reached by the two governments. While Sinn Féin may be reluctant to accept the terms outlined, Mr Adams created space for significant movement at the weekend. Delegates responded to Mr Adams and to his senior colleagues with warm approval. Their control and direction of the party is unquestioned. Courage is now required to fully embrace democratic politics with its attendant requirements for security and policing.