Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams has announced he is to stand down as the party's leader next year.
He made the announcement at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in Dublin.
The Louth TD became leader in 1983 and has served uninterrupted since.
Mr Adams said: “I’m very proud to have served as Úachtarán. Last year, myself and Martin said there was a plan for change. I thought I needed to tell you….I have been privileged to be part of an amazing leadership.
“One of our greatest achievements has been to build a peace process. I will not be standing for the Dáil neither will Martin Ferris. This is also my last Ard Fheis. I’ll be asking the new Ard Comhairle to agree a date in 2018 to elect our next Uachtaran."
Mr Adams has not announced who his replacement as leader will be.
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