The North's Deputy First Minister says it is Sinn Féin's ambition to become the largest party on the island by the 100th anniversary of the Easter rising.

Martin Mc Guinness was addressing the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Derry tonight when he told delegates he believes the party can become the largest party on both sides of the border in 2016.

Mr McGuinness says Sinn Féin is determined to become the biggest party after the general and assembly elections.

“Much has already been said about the prospects of Sinn Féin emerging as the biggest party following the next Dáil elections. That is certainly our goal, it is also our goal to become the biggest party in the North at the 2016 Assembly elections,” he said.

“I believe that both those goal are achievable and I believe the symbolism of doing both on the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising would be absolutely massive,” he added.