Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Totes emoji
Here's what happened when we interviewed Mary Lou entirely in emoji
The Sinn Féin deputy leader takes up our unique interview challenge.
MARY LOU MCDONALD is one of the most prominent politicians in the country who is tipped to become leader of Sinn Féin in the future.
She may even become the country’s first female taoiseach if her party’s support continues to rise.
But Sinn Féin’s current deputy leader knows the importance of demonstrating that she’s down with the kids judging by her very active Twitter account.
A serial retweeter, McDonald also cracks out the odd emoji:
So she seemed as good a candidate as any for the latest in our occasional series of interviews with politicians where their answers have to be entirely in emoji.
We already spoke to John Lyons, but could Mary Lou match the Labour TD’s Twitter game?
First up, we kept it light and breezy…
It seems like she’s in good form. But what sort of form is she in when those testy Dáil exchanges with Joan Burton are taking place?
Lots of side eye, nail varnish, no good answers and thumbs down for Burton.
What one emoji would she use to describe the Labour party leader?
Er, a cyclone. Okay.
How about the Taoiseach?
A duck. Ouch.
What about the leader of the other main opposition party?
The Fianna Fáil leader is a ghost. Some serious burns here from Mary Lou.
Surely she’ll have a nicer emoji for her party leader…
Yep, Mary Lou thinks Gerry Adams is a flamenco dancer.
After that revelation it’s time for some serious political questions, including the one we all want the answer to…
A wink, a rainbow and family. She’s not exactly saying no…
What about that election?
She’s praying for one.
But how will Sinn Féin do when the country goes to the polls?
A five-star performance, according to the Dublin Central TD
But it’s all about selling the message. How is Sinn Féin going to convince voters?
Homes, health, power, sunshine, families, peace, and, er, a sunflower…
Time to finish up. What’s Mary Lou McDonald doing for her holliers?
Catch-up on sleep, a plane to some sunny destination with wine, books, family and more sleep. Sounds good to us.
How was it for you, Mary Lou?
Which politician would you like to see take the emoji interview challenge next? Let us know in the comments…
have your say