Gerry Adams will not be standing for the Dáil in the next election and announced this has been his last Ard Fheis as leader.

The Sinn Féin President said he's been privileged to have been part of an amazing leadership.

Earlier delegates voted in favour of a motion to call a special Ard Fheis three months after a presidents departure - previously members would have had to wait for one year after the position was vacated.

He told the gathering: "leadership means knowing when it is time for change.

"That time is now. I will not be standing for the Dáil in the next election.

"Neither will my friend and comrade Martin Ferris.

"I want to thank Martin, Marie and their clann for years of service to the Republic.

"This is also my last Ard Fheis as Uachtarán Sinn Féin."