Post by : Rameen Ariff

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Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has confirmed that she will not run in the upcoming Irish presidential election. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, McDonald said her name is “no longer in the mix” for the race. She explained that her focus must remain on leading her party from the front while in opposition and holding the government accountable every day.

While she ruled herself out, McDonald did not dismiss the possibility of Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill being a candidate. She stated that “we have options” and “everything is still in play,” indicating that Sinn Féin is still considering its choices for the presidential nomination.

Irish Presidential Election Date

Voters in the Republic of Ireland are scheduled to go to the polls on Friday, 24 October, to elect the next president. McDonald emphasized that her current priority is building a strong alternative to the current government with her Sinn Féin colleagues and other partners in Irish politics, ahead of the next general election.

She confirmed that Sinn Féin’s internal process to select a candidate is ongoing. A “final proposition” will be presented to party members on 20 September. McDonald said the party still has the option of putting forward its own candidate or supporting another candidate.

Catherine Connolly is currently a candidate in the field, and McDonald said Sinn Féin plans to meet with Connolly and her campaign team before making any decisions at the Ard Chomhairle, the party’s national executive council.

Independent Candidates and Local Council Involvement

In addition to party candidates, independent presidential hopefuls are also seeking support. It is reported that 12 potential candidates will appear before Kerry County Council to request backing for their nominations. This council is the first to hear from aspiring independent presidential candidates, marking an important step in the process for those seeking election without party support.

Role of the Irish President

The president of Ireland serves as the country’s head of state. While the role is mostly ceremonial, the president represents Ireland at public events and in international affairs. Only citizens of the Republic of Ireland have the right to vote in presidential elections.

To run for president, candidates must be Irish citizens and at least 35 years old. They also need the support of either 20 members of the Oireachtas (the Irish parliament) or four of the 31 local authorities.

Michael D. Higgins, the current president, was inaugurated in 2011 and re-elected in October 2018. He is completing his second seven-year term and is not eligible to run again. Higgins succeeded Mary McAleese, who remains the only president from Northern Ireland.

With McDonald stepping aside, the race for the presidency remains open and competitive. Sinn Féin is expected to finalize its candidate or decide on potential support for another contender by 20 September. Independent candidates are also making their bids, with local councils playing a key role in the nomination process.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots in October, the election promises to bring attention not only to the candidates themselves but also to the broader political landscape in Ireland. Sinn Féin’s decisions and independent campaigns will be closely watched, shaping the debate ahead of the election.