Mary Lou McDonald faces clear run at Sinn Féin leadership

Mary Lou McDonald is facing a clear run to become the next leader of Sinn Féin as her potential rivals said they would not be contesting the race to replace Gerry Adams.

Pearse Doherty, Michelle O’Neill, Eoin Ó Broin, and Padraig MacLochlainn all said they have no interest in taking part in the contest, leaving Stormont MLA Conor Murphy as the only potential contender.

At Sinn Féin’s ard fheis on Saturday, Mr Adams confirmed he was stepping down as party leader after 35 years.