EVEN the most committed Sinn Fein activists found it hard to muster up enthusiasm at the ardfheis. "We're just going through the motions," said one delegate. "The problems with the peace process are depressing. Much needs to be sorted out."
The "sorting out" was not done at the ardfheis. There was no honest discussion of the pros and cons, from a republican viewpoint, of the process, another delegate complained. No mention of what the IRA could or should do.
The leadership did not map out a clear political strategy and the membership did not put it under any pressure to do so. Privately, delegates said they were confused and uncertain about the way forward.
"I used to think that a political settlement could be reached at all party talks but now I'm not so sure," said one west Belfast delegate. "The British and the unionists aren't giving us anything so it seems pointless to go to negotiations. The table will be bare.
Most delegates agreed that Sinn Fein was "between a rock and a hard place" on the issue of all party talks. If it took part, the IRA would have to call another ceasefire and decommissioning would top the agenda. If it stayed away, and the IRA returned to full scale war, Sinn Fein would face political isolation and lose its new, powerful allies.
"We're boxed into a corner and it's all of our own making," said a Fermanagh delegate. "I'm not one to criticise the leadership but I don't know where they're taking us. It seems to be a bit of a mess.
A Donegal delegate believed it would be better if Sinn Fein boycotted all party talks. "It would put enormous pressure on the British and the unionists," he said.
"Sinn Fein could be on the outside looking in, and the boys with the guns could be doing their thing too. That would make them listen to us. There is no need for the IRA to call another ceasefire. I'd be totally opposed to it unless the British promised a declaration of intent to withdraw," he added. He thought that this time next year the "war will be in full swing".
Not one delegate criticised the IRA for ending its ceasefire. The vast majority thought it should not be restored unless there were substantial concessions from London. However, unbridled enthusiasm for the "armed struggle" was missing among up to half the delegates. There was admiration for the IRA but its campaign was seen by these delegates as a necessary evil at best.
Some activists, however, were still in the "old mindset". "We've, two choices," said one Tyrone man. "To give in or to give it toe them. I think we should give it to them with all we've got."
The vast majority of delegates, even those who had serious doubts about the peace process, were totally happy with the leadership. Ordinary activists, however, lacked the commitment and dedication to the peace process shown by their leaders. Their private conversations did not centre on the forthcoming elections or proposed forum.
There was a loss of interest but no major discontent. The only, publicly dissenting voice was that of Mr Aongus O Snodaigh, from Dublin, who said the peace strategy had failed.
"I am not calling for an immediate rejection of the strategy, but we surely need to re evaluate it and, if need be, dump it. Our alliance with the right wing parties in this country has not worked. It has not achieved our goals and nor would it ever."
He compared the last two years to a sketch out of Fawlty Towers. "That one, `Don't Mention the War'. In our case it was don't mention our demands. We want Brits out. We want a united Ireland. Why are we hiding away these demands in the cupboard?
"Why does it look like we are compromising our position before we get to the negotiating table?"
Whatever the leadership decides, all of the members seem set to be on board.
They may be a little depressed and down hearted but they will not, if this ardfheis is anything to go by, be staging a rebellion. Grassroots IRA, however, is another matter altogether.