Mary Lou McDonald confirmed as next Sinn Féin leader
Mary Lou McDonald has been confirmed as the next party leader of Sinn Féin.
.@MaryLouMcDonald announced as President Elect of Sinn Féin pic.twitter.com/zdUQVpjJ9u
— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) January 20, 2018
Mrs. McDonald was confirmed as the next leader of the party at this morning’s Sinn Féin Árd Chomhairle in Belfast. The Dublin Central TD will step in after current leader Gerry Adams announced at last November’s annual Sinn Féin Árd Fheis that he would not be leading the party into the next election.
Delighted that @CorkSinnFein nominated @MaryLouMcDonald for Party President after our AGM last night. Enthusiastic and excited about her leadership and what our Party can achieve under her. Ag súil go mór leis an ré nua faoina ceannaireacht! pic.twitter.com/FaVfIX10AN
— Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (@Donnchadhol) January 19, 2018
Adams, who has been party president for 35 years, steps aside for his deputy, who was the sole nominee for the position when the entries closed last night.
This will be my last speech as Uachtarán Shinn Féin to the Cúige.
Nominations for that position closed yesterday.
So if you didn’t get a nomination and wanted this job it’s too late now.
Please welcome the President elect of our Party Mary Lou MacDonald. pic.twitter.com/KpFaUxYLQn— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) January 20, 2018
Mrs. McDonald said in Belfast that she would not attempt to fill Adams’ shoes, but has “brought her own”, and said the prospect of a United Ireland would not be a “pipe dream” under her leadership. She will be formally ratified as leader during a special party conference on 10th February, and will become the first woman to lead the party.
