OPINION: Any other leader would come under fire from their own party for n-word gaffe

Had any other party leader used the n-word in a public forum, it is highly likely that they would be the subject of considerable criticism, both publicly and privately, from their own colleagues. There would probably even be a few calls for the leader to go.

Yet, despite his latest gaffe, there has been little evidence of any discontent among Sinn Féin TDs or a willingness tocall into question the future of leader Gerry Adams. On the face of it, he is as safe now as he was when he was re-elected party president for the 33rd year last month.