McDonald rules out presidential run

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled out a presidential run, and said the party would make their decision about the presidency on September 2oth.

McDonald and First Minister Michelle O’Neill have been floated as prospective Sinn Féin candidates for the Áras in recent weeks, with the party showing reluctance to back Galwegian independent Catherine Connolly.

McDonald announced the decision on Morning Ireland this morning ahead of a party think-in in Dún Laoghaire.

The Dublin Central TD said she was focused on holding the government to account in her role as the leader of the biggest opposition party and that the party would announce their decision on September 20th, 34 days before polling day.

Sinn Fein’s indecision on their candidate has been criticised by prospective coalition partners, with Labour criticising Sinn Féin for “ditheirng” and People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy asserting in recent weeks that the best way for a left-wing candidate to win is if Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit banded together.

McDonald’s decision not to run has come as a surprise to some; Sinn Féin sources had indicated to Northside and Southside People that a McDonald run would have allowed McDonald to leave her position as leader, which has come under pressure following last year’s underperformance in the local and general elections.

However, McDonald’s insistence that Sinn Féin could win the race by itself (and give Connolly second preference) has become the mood music from the party in recent weeks.

McDonald said that the party would be meeting with the Connolly campaign this week to discuss strategy, but stopped short of offering specifics of whether they are running their own candidate or backing Connolly.

On the government front, Fianna Fáil will announce its candidate tomorrow; the race is between former Dublin GAA boss Jim Gavin and MEP Billy Kelleher.