Who will lead Sinn Féin if Mary Lou McDonald runs for President?
The 56-year-old party leader has refused to rule herself out of the running, prompting a surge in political chatter.
Speaking to reporters on Monday morning, McDonald was asked directly about her intentions for the upcoming presidential election but remained tight-lipped, refusing to rule out a potential bid. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Pic: Fran Veale
As Fine Gael begins its search for a presidential candidate, with Mairead McGuinness and Seán Kelly expected to run, focus has now shifted to Sinn Féin and what it would do if Mary Lou McDonald turned her attention to the presidency.
According to BoyleSports, McDonald's odds to become Ireland's next President have dramatically shortened from 20/1 to 6/1, making her the third favourite behind Mairead McGuinness (EVS) and Independent TD Catherine Connolly (4/1).
McGuinness, a former Vice President of the European Parliament, is seen as the favourite in Fine Gael's race. She previously lost out to Gay Mitchell for the nomination in 2011, but this time has gained high-profile support – including from Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, who said he'd be 'very proud' to see her as President. Mairead McGuinness. Pic: Isopix/REX/Shutterstock
Seán Kelly, a fellow MEP and former GAA President, has also shown strong interest in the role. 'I could do a lot,' he said last month, confirming that colleagues had approached him to run.
If McDonald steps aside to run for president, the focus will shift to who could lead Sinn Féin into the next general election, where the party is expected to make a serious push for power.
BoyleSports has released updated odds for the next Sinn Féin President, with Pearse Doherty emerging as the clear favourite at 4/11. Doherty, the party's finance spokesperson and one of Sinn Féin's most experienced figures in the Dáil, has long been seen as a natural successor. Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Michelle O'Neill follows at 5/1. The current First Minister of Northern Ireland was once tipped as Sinn Féin's likely presidential candidate, but that now seems less likely. O'Neill remains a major figure in the party and would offer continuity, especially given Sinn Féin's strong support in the North. Michelle O'Neill. Pic:Eoin Ó Broin, the party's high-profile housing spokesperson, is coming in at 6/1, followed by Matt Carthy at 8/1 and David Cullinane at 10/1.
A possible leadership change in Sinn Féin comes at a crucial moment in Irish politics.
The next presidential election will likely take place between September 13 and November 10.
Fianna Fáil hasn't decided if they will enter, and Labour considered former Liveline host Joe Duffy, but he said no. So, the race is still wide open.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly is trying to become the left's main candidate. Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is interested but hasn't got much support from Fianna Fáil.
If Mary Lou McDonald runs for president, Sinn Féin will need a new leader, meaning the fight to replace her could be just as interesting as the presidential race.
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