Gerry Adams says he fully intends to lead Sinn Féin into the next general election.
Mr Adams' leadership has been called into question in recent months over his handling of his brother Liam Adams's conviction for rape, as well as his comments following the publication of the Smithwick Report.
Gerry Adams says the media coverage in the wake of Liam Adams conviction was "shameful".
He says he will lead his party for as long as he has their support.
Mr Adams said: "That's my intention, we've an Ard Fhéis that will decide who the leader is.
"We elect our leadership every year, people go and they vote accordingly, so they'll have the choice this time next month."