Sinn Féin supporters are expected to gather in Dublin today to mark the party's 100th anniversary ahead of an expected announcement on IRA decommissioning.
Speaking outside Government Buildings in Dublin yesterday Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said that politicians, North and South and in London, had to be prepared to exploit the "enormous opportunities" that would arise from the announcement, which is expected in the next week.
The party's chief negotiator Martin McGuinness told people not to underestimate the expected announcement on IRA decommissioning.
"We are on the threshold of something very, very important, maybe an event more important than what happened in the summer of '94, maybe even more important than what happened on July 28th this year," he said.
Later it emerged that Mr McGuinness is due to travel to Washington next Tuesday further intensifying speculation that IRA disarmament is imminent.
Mr McGuinness last travelled to the United States days ahead of the IRA's historic statement which declared an end to the armed struggle.
Meanwhile, the party will hold a march called Rally for Irish Unityfrom Parnell Square to the GPO at 2pm today as part of its centenary celebrations.