Top civil servant moved as officials plan for Sinn Féin election success

In an interview in 2022, Mary Lou McDonald said tackling the 'constipated' public and civil service would be one of the biggest challenges for Sinn Féin in government. Picture: Oliver McVeigh/PA

A top civil servant is to be moved to focus on Northern Ireland matters ahead of a general election which could see Sinn Féin claim power across the island of Ireland.

Senior officials have now started planning for the fallout of the next general election, which could see Mary Lou McDonald elected as Taoiseach, given the party's support in the polls.