Top Issue 1-2024

20 January 2018

Resize: A A A Print

Mary Lou McDonald named as Sinn Féin President elect

"I know I have big shoes to fill taking on the role from Gerry Adams and I know that is impossible but I have brought my own shoes and together, with all of the party membership, we will walk on a journey that will lead to Irish unity." - Sinn Féin president elect Mary Lou McDonald TD

Mary Lou McDonald has been named as President-elect of Sinn Féin. 

The historic announcement was made at the Annual General Meeting of Sinn Féin’s Cúige Uladh in Belfast this morning by outgoing President Gerry Adams. 

The announcement was greeted with huge applause from the packed-out hall of republican activists. 

Nominations for the position of Uachtarán Shinn Féin closed at 5pm on Friday, January 19, and Mary Lou McDonald was the sole nominee, paving the way for the Dublin Central TD to be ratified as Uachtarán Shinn Féin at the party’s special Ard Fheis on February 10. 

Speaking for the first time as President elect, Mary Lou McDonald said republicanism is entering a new era with confidence as we move closer to Irish unity. 

"I am proud and honoured to be nominated for Uachtarán Shinn Féin. I look forward to being ratified at our special Ard Fheis on February 10th.

"I know I have big shoes to fill taking on the role from Gerry Adams and I know that is impossible but I have brought my own shoes and together, with all of the party membership, we will walk on a journey that will lead to Irish unity," she said. 

The new Sinn Féin President elect also said she wants to reach out to everyone on the island to build a new republic. 

"I want to see Sinn Féin in government north and south.

“But it will be government based on equality, respecting the rights of citizens, that delivers prosperity and opportunity for all and reflects our republican ideals. 

 "To do that we need to continue to grow and develop, embracing new ideas while remaining true to our vision. 

"We are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to and it is now the task, duty and responsibility of all to create and deliver a new Ireland, together, united and strong," she said. 

Follow us on Facebook

An Phoblacht on Twitter

An Phoblacht Podcast

An Phoblacht podcast advert2

Uncomfortable Conversations 

uncomfortable Conversations book2

An initiative for dialogue 

for reconciliation 

— — — — — — —

Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures

GUE-NGL Latest Edition ad

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland