Mary Lou McDonald: 'Nothing unusual' about Friends of Sinn Féin US ads on unity poll

'Irish diaspora have always been part of the Irish story for freedom'

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said America has always been "front and centre" in the debate around a united Ireland. Picture:Gareth Chaney/Collins

Mary Lou McDonald has said there is "nothing unusual" about Friends of Sinn Féin placing ads in US newspapers calling for an Irish unity referendum.

The New York Times and The Washington Post have carried half-page ads under the title “A United Ireland – Let the people have their say” ahead of St Patrick's Day next week.