Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has formally ruled herself out of the upcoming Irish presidential race, stating her clear preference to remain in parliamentary politics and pursue the role of Taoiseach. Speaking ahead of her party’s annual think-in, McDonald emphasized her commitment to leading the opposition and presenting Sinn Féin as a viable alternative government in the next general election.
“I’ve thought long and hard about it,” McDonald said, noting the importance of the presidency in shaping national conversations, particularly around Irish reunification. However, she affirmed that her focus must remain on holding the current Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael coalition to account and preparing Sinn Féin for government leadership.
While Sinn Féin has yet to announce whether it will nominate a presidential candidate, McDonald praised independent TD Catherine Connolly as “very accomplished” and aligned with the party’s values of equality and inclusion.
The presidential election is scheduled for October 24, 2025, with nominations closing a month prior. McDonald’s decision ends speculation about her potential candidacy and signals her intent to lead Sinn Féin through a pivotal period in Irish political history.
