Sinn Féin delegates are set to debate a motion, which is widely expected to pass, calling on the party to refuse to enter a new Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil-led government.

Speaking ahead of the ard discussion, deputy leader Mary-Lou McDonald told reporters her party will look for “every ounce of support we can garner” in every constituency.

“If you’re sure of nothing else be sure that we will not be sitting out the next election. We will be vigorously campaigning. We will be competing in every constituency,” she said.

“We’ll be setting out our stall looking for every ounce of support that we can garner. The policy of this party is decided at the ardfheis.”

The motion backed by 15 cumainn states: “Sinn Féin will not go into a Fianna Fáil-led or Fine Gael-led government following the general election”.

It also calls on Sinn Féin to commit to forming “broad alliances” with like-minded parties and Independents.