Sinn Féin leader rules herself out of Irish presidential run

Mary Lou McDonald has definitively ruled herself out of a run for the presidency, stating her energy must stay focused on leading the opposition, particularly in holding the current coalition to account. Now she wants to concentrate on achieving real political change rather than taking on a symbolic post. 

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has put to rest months of speculation about a presidential run, making clear she will not be putting her name forward as the party’s nominee. Her decision reflects a firm commitment to concentrating on ousting the current Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael coalition government rather than stepping into the largely ceremonial office of Uachtarán na hÉireann (President of Ireland).

In a radio appearance on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland on Monday, Ms McDonald said: “My name will not go forward”, underscoring the need to continue leading from the front in opposition. She emphasized that her priority is to build a viable alternative ahead of the next general election and to keep the government under constant scrutiny. 

She framed the presidency as a pivotal role at a time of “huge opportunity and transition,” referencing the likelihood of upcoming referendums and movements toward Irish reunification. Nevertheless, she stressed that her contribution is better placed within the Dáil (Parliament), doing the hard work of political change.

McDonald also made it clear she did not face internal pressure to run. Rather, she believed it was essential to consider every proposition publicly, before conclusively stepping aside.

“We as a party test every proposition,” she noted.

While Ms McDonald won’t be on the ticket, Sinn Féin has not ruled out running its own candidate or backing a prominent independent like TD Catherine Connolly, she told RTE.

Connolly officially entered the presidential race on 11 July 2025, bolstering her status as a left-wing contender. McDonald said Sinn Féin would meet with Connolly’s team before a final decision is made. This will be on 20 September at the party’s Ard Chomhairle (National Executive Committee).

McDonald also declined to confirm whether Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill might be Sinn Féin’s nominee, saying the party’s selection process remains in motion. 

McDonald’s announcement removes one of the highest-profile potential contenders from the field, changing the shape of the race. Without her name on the ballot, attention is shifting to other figures, particularly independent TD Catherine Connolly, who entered the race in July and has gained momentum among left-wing voters.

Sinn Féin now faces a strategic choice: whether to run its own candidate or to throw its support behind Connolly. That decision will significantly influence the dynamics of the campaign.