Friday's vote is "an historic opportunity" to elect Ireland's first female prime minister, Ms McDonald says, and should that happen, she plans to put reunification at the heart of government, with a referendum by 2030.

Among them is deputy leader Doherty, who insisted McDonald remains the party's greatest asset. "Mary Lou is the taoiseach this country needs and she is the person who will sort out health, housing, child care and the cost of living," he said.

A review of governance procedures in Sinn Fein prompted by child safeguarding concerns should deliver a report before Christmas, party president Mary Lou McDonald has said. The party has been beset by a series of controversies in recent months, regarding allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving party members and elected representatives.

The poll leaves it all to play for with just days left of the campaign and a potentially crucial leaders' debate on Tuesday