Mary Lou McDonald rejects claims of Sinn Féin leadership challenge at Ard Fheis

Sinn Féin leader dismisses speculation about her position, saying party debates reflect internal democracy ahead of key elections

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis, at International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Belfast. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Mary Lou McDonald has denied that her leadership of Sinn Féin is under threat or that she has lost control of the party.

At the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Belfast, Ms McDonald insisted she will lead the party into the next general election and retains the support of members.

Hours before the annual conference began, a media report suggested growing unease about her leadership, indicating that a loss in the Dublin Central by-election could affect her position.

On Friday evening, a motion on fox-hunting led to a heated debate among delegates, with members voting against the party’s previous stance to support the practice.

Ahead of the Dublin Central by-election, Ms McDonald also failed to secure selection for her preferred candidate, Gillian Sheratt, for the ballot.

Ms McDonald rejected suggestions these developments showed she was losing her grip on the party, telling media that “as you may try to seek a story, there isn’t a story there. I am the leader of the party”.

“I actually believe that it is a sign that we function democratically,” she said.

“For the longest time that I can remember, members of your own profession [the media] have cast Sinn Féin as being undemocratic or secretive or whatever other terminology you may have used.

“I think, actually, events demonstrate to you very clearly that we are a democratic party.

“Ultimately, whether you go to a selection convention or an Ard Fheis, the great beauty of being a member of Sinn Féin is that you have a say, that what you think matters, and that you have a capacity to shape the decision.”

Ms McDonald said Sinn Féin is a “very, very united party” and a “strong party”.

She insisted she would continue to lead Sinn Féin even if the by-elections in Galway West and Dublin Central are lost, and said she intends to lead the party into the next general election.

“Sinn Fein is at its strongest point since partition,” she continued.

“There is a great pep in our step we have built since the last general election. We're ahead in the polls; that's always a good place to be. We were instrumental in the election of Uachtaráin Catherine Connolly, that was a huge achievement for us as an organisation.

“We are working hard, preparing with our eye on the next general election in the next number of years. I want us to be ready. I want us to peak at the right point, and ultimately, I want us to challenge to be in a government and lead a government beyond Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.”

The Ard Fheis will continue in Belfast throughout Saturday, with discussions on justice and human rights, health, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Ms McDonald will deliver her presidential address at 6.30pm.

 - Louise Burne, political correspondent