Mary Lou McDonald: Sinn Féin ‘in transition’ as leadership battle looms

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has admitted her party is in “transition” as the prospect of a leadership change on both sides of the border grows nearer due to the likely retirement of Martin McGuinness from frontline politics.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio before today’s expected confirmation of a fresh election in the North, Ms McDonald said she is hopeful of a “seamless” change in leaders over the coming years.

Asked if the likely departure of Mr McGuinness as leader of Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland after his resignation as deputy first minister for health reasons last week triggered the collapse of the Stormont government, Ms McDonald stressed the Derry native would make a decision on his own future in his own time.