Ms McDonald turns to international affairs, outlining Sinn Féin’s views on Palestine and Ukraine.

“We send solidarity to people who endure imperialism, war, occupation, and the denial of human rights. We send our unwavering support to Palestine.

“Ukraine fights for its very survival against Putin’s criminal invasion. We stand with Ukraine. We will support you until that day when your beloved homeland is free from Russia’s war.

“Russia must end its war and the journey to peace must start now.”

President of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald begins her address to the Dublin Ard Fheis on a note of ambition for the party.

“Today we seize the day," she says.

"To chart new directions, to capture opportunities that lie ahead.

"A new dawn is breaking in Ireland. We stand on the threshold of a new era.

"Friends, it’s time for change.”

Michelle O'Neill says the DUP is using its protest about the protocol as "cover".

"It is wrong that progress on the issues affecting the daily lives of people are being put on hold because one party refuses to accept the democratic outcome of last May's Assembly election," she told the conference earlier.

Image source, Getty Images

"At any time this would be unacceptable but in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis it is utterly disgraceful.

"As you all know the DUP are using the Brexit protocol as cover not to enter power-sharing.

"The real reason is because as an Irish nationalist I will be at the helm as first minister and everybody knows it."

The DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has previously said he accepts the outcome of the May election but will not change his stance on power-sharing until his issues with the protocol have been resolved.

Read more here.

Jayne McCormack
BBC News NI political correspondent

Sinn Féin's conference takes place at a time when the party has much to be confident about.

But while it is now in pole position at Stormont, Michelle O'Neill has yet to spend a second in the first minister's chair.

That could be to the party's benefit when it comes to attracting voters in the event another assembly election is called.

But for now, the Northern Ireland secretary doesn't appear inclined to do that and it's not clear what Stormont's future holds.

Expect to hear from the leadership about what it believes should be on the table if the assembly remains mothballed, including calling for Irish unity plans to be ramped up.

Welcome to our live coverage of Sinn Féin's ard fheis (annual conference) in Dublin.

The party's president Mary Lou McDonald is expected to address issues such as Irish unity and the lack of a Stormont Executive.

Earlier today, the party's leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill accused the DUP of refusing to return to power-sharing at Stormont because an Irish nationalist would be first minister.

Image source, PA Media

Ms McDonald is due to begin her speech at about 18:30 local time.