At the moment the party's constitution forbids the taking of seats in a Northern parliament and would have to be changed if Sinn F in wants to participate in an Assembly. Last week, for the first time, Sinn F in headquarters sent out a copy of the party's constitution along with the clar or agenda for the party's ard-fheis to be held in Dublin in two weeks time. Although some sources say the move may be linked with a move to expel sympathisers of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, it could also be seen as ensuring that party members were well informed enough about the constitution to participate in a debate. One problem facing Sinn F in is that it would be impossible for the party to amend its constitution unless the IRA had done so first. This would require the convening of an Army Convention.
Dissident sources claim one is planned for the near future.
If there was no Convention then Sinn F in members who hold dual membership with the IRA would require a special dispensation from the IRA Army Council to take their Assembly seats, a move that might be too controversial to deliver. The Taoiseach has moved to ensure that Sinn F in will have great difficulty in exploiting any proposed changes in Articles 2 and 3 by appealing to disgruntled Fianna Fail members in the Republic. It is understood that if a referendum is held then voters will be asked only one question and this will link approval for the Northern settlement with amendments to the 1937 Constitution including changes to Articles 2 and 3. The wording of the question, which promises to be a lengthy one, would ensure that if there was a 'no' vote in the North, the result in the South would be rendered void. The important point about the proposal is that voters will not be able to cherry pick their answers to the referendum by, for example, saying 'yes' to the agreement but 'no' to the changes in Areticles 2 and 3.