Mary Lou McDonald backs Gerry Adams to remain at summit of Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has backed Gerry Adams to remain in charge of the party until after the next general election, claiming he has brought the party “right into the middle” of Irish politics.

Mr Adams told the Irish Examiner he is not planning to step down this autumn, despite persistent rumours from within the party in recent months the historic move was about to occur.

In an extensive interview published yesterday, he said that while he is preparing to step aside, “now is not the time” and he will both seek re-election as party president at this October’s ard fheis and remain at the head of Sinn Féin into the next general election.