Mary Lou McDonald run for presidency still on the table for Sinn Féin

It is understood that Sinn Féin's announcement will not come until around September 20

Mary Lou McDonald said 'the entire UN system itself now is under pressure because Israel can act with impunity' while powerful players like the United States, Britain, and European countries 'look the other way at best and assist them at worst'. Photo: Gareth Chaney

No option is off the table for Sinn Féin's approach to the presidency - including a run for herself - Mary Lou McDonald says.

The party has been taking its time to mull over whether to run its own candidate or support independent Galway TD Catherine Connolly, having sought feedback from members.

While some in the party had expected a decision to be made either this week or next, it is understood that any announcement will not come until around September 20.

In an interview with The Irish Examiner this week, Ms McDonald said that the party is still considering its options and that a run for herself has not been ruled out.

Following criticism that the party had misjudged the 2018 race when it ran Liadh Ní Riada against Michael D Higgins, Ms McDonald said that the party is "taking its time". Ms McDonald said there would be two considerations for the party, beginning with discussions around a United Ireland.

"I want us to get this call correct, and I suppose we have two competing concerns. On the one hand, the position of Uachtarán na hÉireann is important and significant in itself, but all the more so over the next seven years, which are years that we believe are critical to preparation for referendums on reunification."

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However the President must lead in a world where the "entire UN system is under pressure", she added.

"The genocide perpetrated by Israel in Palestine writes up loudly and clearly the extent to which the global community is potentially walking down a very, very dark road," Ms McDonald said. 

She added "the entire UN system itself now is under pressure because Israel can act with impunity" while powerful players like the United States, Britain, and European countries "look the other way at best and assist them at worst".

"So we need to have a conversation about who we are, about what our values are, and what we're bringing to the table, not passively but proactively on the global stage."

Ms McDonald added that she believed that the President "has to talk about our young people". "That's not happening now." 

Asked if Ms Connolly ticks the boxes for her, Ms McDonald said she believes the Galway woman "is a very good woman".

"I think she's a very fine parliamentarian, and I would say to her, or to any other person coming forward for the presidency, the three issues that I have set out for you there [are the issues Sinn Féin wants to see represented]."

Pressed on whether she herself wants to be the nominee, Ms McDonald said: "I am not trying to be coy here. I'm telling you that we have examined and are examining every scenario, nothing has been taken off the table."