Elaine Loughlin: Rise of Michelle O’Neill may pose a threat to Mary Lou McDonald’s leadership

At the top of Sinn Féin, the apprentice may be outshining the master. Michelle O’Neill’s rise and Mary Lou McDonald’s challenges paint a complex picture for the party's future

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald (left) and Northern Ireland first minister Michelle O’Neill attend the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast in June 2020; O’Neill’s apology for attending the funeral when covid protocols were still in place, was viewed as significant.

At the top of the Sinn Féin party the apprentice is now outshining the master. 

Michelle O’Neill’s performance, especially since taking up the position of first minister, has led some around Leinster House to speculate that she may yet follow in the footsteps of Gerry Adams in crossing the border to run for the Dáil at some point in the future.