Paul Hosford: Mary Lou McDonald here for Sinn Féin 'on the good days and the bad'

While Dublin Central sparked questions about leadership, it is a perfect example of where the party is challenged and the answers it needs to find quickly

Mary Lou McDonald: ‘There’s only one way to become the leader of Sinn Féin, and that’s at our annual ard fheis.’ Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin/PA

As she entered the RDS on Saturday afternoon, Mary Lou McDonald cut a defiant figure.

Flanked by frontbenchers Eoin Ó Broin and Louise O’Reilly, Ms McDonald vowed to lead her party despite impending defeats in two by-elections.