‘Pressure is for tyres’: Mary Lou McDonald rejects leadership speculation after by-election setback

Sinn Féin leader insists she faces no internal pressure despite disappointing by-election performances in Galway West and Dublin Central

(left to right) Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin candidate Mark Lohan and Galway TD Mairead Farrell arriving at the count for the Galway West by-election at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club, Galway. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mary Lou McDonald has said there is “no question” over her leadership of Sinn Féin as she acknowledged the party had suffered a disappointing result in the Galway West by-election.

Speaking after arriving at Galway Lawn Tennis Club, Ms McDonald dismissed suggestions that her leadership was under pressure.

“There is no question on the leadership. I am the leader of Sinn Féin. I lead us on days when we’re on a winning streak. I lead us on the days when we’re not lifting the cup,” Ms McDonald said.

Asked whether she personally felt under pressure, she replied: “I feel under no pressure whatsoever. Pressure is for tyres.

“If you’re going to lead the opposition in the project of constructing a Government beyond Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, a historic project.

“If you’re going to lead a party, a national movement and a national organisation like Sinn Féin, you don’t give way to pressure.

“You have to have the fortitude, the stamina, the resilience and the concentration span to see this through. Just for the avoidance of doubt, I have all of those qualities in abundance and I will carry on with my work.”

Ms McDonald acknowledged that Sinn Féin candidate Mark Lohan would not be in contention for a seat in Galway West.

She said by-elections often had a “different dynamic” and argued the outcome would not necessarily reflect voting patterns at a general election.

“Sometimes, politics as in sport, sometimes its just not your day. Today just was not our day.”

Ms McDonald also rejected suggestions there was confusion around Sinn Féin’s political positioning, pushing back against criticism that the party’s stance on immigration conflicted with left-wing politics.

The Sinn Féin leader said the vote had “splintered” in different directions among parties, but argued there remained “huge anger and dissatisfaction” with the Government.

Asked about the contest in Dublin Central, Ms McDonald said the latest tally showed only a few hundred votes separating Sinn Féin candidate Janice Boylan and Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats.

“There are literally thousands of votes to be transferred so I’m going to hold final comment on that. We’re very strong in Dublin Central, in my home constituency, that continues to be the case.”

Asked whether losing the seat would be a setback for the party, Ms McDonald said: “Of course I would like us to win it.”

One Sinn Féin activist privately acknowledged that the party was unlikely to secure the Dublin Central seat, suggesting Ms Boylan would have needed a significantly larger lead over Mr Ennis to remain ahead after transfers.