Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has warned US supporters about possible splits over shared government with the DUP or Sinn Féin support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the Friends of Sinn Féin annual fundraiser in the Sheraton Hotel in mid-Manhattan, Mr Adams said that he expected a "huge debate" in the US and Ireland if the party leadership called a special ardfheis to change policy on policing.
He reminded guests that Brendan Behan once said that the split was the first item on the agenda for every Irish meeting. "Republicans don't have to agree. In fact it's a healthy thing to disagree and a healthy thing to agree to disagree. As we set the agenda, we have to be prepared to set aside differences for common good," he said.
"That is going to be a huge challenge, no doubt about it," he added.
After telling the guests at the $500 (€389) a plate dinner that he was prepared to go to the party leadership to call the special ardfheis, he said he was sure there was going to be a huge debate. "I would appeal to you to have confidence in our own strength and confidence in own vision and the potential we have at this time. I appeal for maximum unity," he said.