'My name will not go forward': Mary Lou McDonald rules herself out of Áras race

Mary Lou McDonald said she is needed to hold the Government to account

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Picture: Gareth Chaney

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out of running in October’s presidential election.

Ms McDonald said she had considered her position and whether or not to run, but believed she was needed to hold the Government to account. She said she would work within Sinn Féin and with other opposition parties to build a “real alternative” ahead of the next general election