A review of governance procedures in Sinn Féin 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,

But Sinn Féin believes it has the strongest frontbench team and is keen to let voters see the faces of its would-be ministers at every opportunity. Among them is deputy leader Doherty, who insisted McDonald remains the party's greatest asset.

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.

The poll leaves it all to play for with just days left of the campaign and a potentially crucial leaders' debate on Tuesday Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that the mood is now 'very reminiscent' of the last general election, during which Sinn ...