Sinn Féin looks to a new generation with Michelle O'Neill's appointment

The appointment of Michelle O’Neill as Sinn Féin’s leader in the North has drawn suggestions the party is handing over power to a new, younger generation with no IRA past.

The confirmation of the health minister’s appointment to the top position is also being viewed as paving the way for Mary Lou McDonald to take over the leadership of the party in the south.

Flanked by party president Gerry Adams and outgoing deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, Ms O’Neill said she is following in the footsteps of a “political giant”.