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Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, before her speech on the second and final day of the party convention in Derry, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, November 16, 2019. Paul Faith / AFP

In Ireland, Michelle O'Neill remains Vice President of Sinn Féin. The Nationalist Party held its annual congress on Friday and Saturday in Derry, Northern Ireland. For two days, activists have positioned themselves on various topics. The event especially marked the party's entry into the campaign for the British legislative elections on 12 December. Reportage.

With our special correspondent in Derry, Emeline Vin

Effervescence. This is the word that comes back most to describe this 2019 edition. Mayor Devine, elected party in Dublin, returns home confident about the December elections: " We have seven deputies in Westminster for now and we will elect an eighth. John Finucane will be elected, we will undo the DUP. "

► See also: Sinn Féin Congress: Brexit, an opportunity for reunification

At the exit of the amphitheater, Rosie Neilhara, also, felt a particular positive agitation this year. " You know, it's a stimulating year for us. With the elections coming, the Brexit is coming. We look forward to reunification, I really feel this year at the convention. It's the Brexit that put the idea in people's heads. "

The unification, always demanded by the party, seems finally at hand, thanks to the Brexit. President Mary Lou McDonald hopes to get a referendum in five years.

But Senator Devine reminds us that the party discusses every aspect of politics. " We are talking about the subjects of the Irish Parliament. We took strong positions, on climate, on transportation, on the rights of the disabled. "

The aim is to position itself as a credible government party before the elections in the Republic of Ireland next spring, which are expected to be delicate.