DUBLIN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Gerry Adams announced on Saturday evening he will step down as president of the party Sinn Fein next year.
At the annual party conference in Dublin, Adams also announced that he will not run again for the Dail Eireann, lower house of Irish parliament.
In his keynote speech to party delegates, the 69-year-old head said this will be his last Ard Fheis (annual party conference) as party leader.
"Leadership means knowing when it is time to change. That time is now," he said.
"This is my last Ard Fheis as Uachtaran (President) of Sinn Fein. I will ask the incoming Ard Comhairle (National Executive Committee) to agree a date in 2018 for a special Ard Fheis to elect our next Uachartaran," said Adams.
At the annual party conference, Adams received a standing ovation as he confirmed his departure for the Sinn Fein leadership.
"I want to thank everyone who has welcomed me into their homes and communities and who have made me part of countless campaigns, countless elections and countless negotiations," he said.
Sinn Fein's National Executive Committee will meet within the next two weeks to decide for the special party conference and the process for Adams's replacement.
He has been president of Sinn Fein for 34 years since 1983.
