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Mary Lou McDonald on the Late Late Show this evening. Screengrab/RTE

Mary Lou McDonald says she ‘has what it takes’ to be Sinn Féin’s next leader

She said to be in politics you need to have cop on and back bone – and she says both.

DEPUTY LEADER OF Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald said in an interview tonight with Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show that she thinks she “has what it takes” to be the next leader of Sinn Féin.

In a wide-ranging interview, she said that the leadership of the party was not up for grabs at the moment, stating that she didn’t think it was Gerry Adams’ time to step down and that he was “the best person for the job” at the moment.

Leadership

When pressed on whether she would like the job, if and when it does become available she said:

“To be in politics you have to have cop on and back bone”, adding that she thought she had both.

She said that Pearse Doherty would also make a good leader, as he is “articulate” and “bright”.

She reiterated that there was no contest at the moment, adding:

“For me this isn’t about my personal ego or master career plan,” finally adding:

Do I think I can lead? I think I could.

Jean McConville

McDonald was also asked about the tonight’s news that a man has been charged in relation to the murder of Jean McConville. She said she welcomed the development, adding:

“I welcome any development that offers comfort to the families of the disappeared…”

She added:

I absolutely condemn the murder of Jean McConville, I absolutely do.

Tubridy also asked her if she believed that the Sinn Féin leader had never been a member of the IRA.

She answered:

I accept that

McDonald noted that Adams has no conviction for any membership of the IRA and when pressed on whether she believed Adams when he denied it she said: “yes, I believe that.”

She was also asked about being a woman in politics in which she said that after she is finished work, she is just a “mam”. She said she believed that women get heckled more in the Dáil.

A clip was then played of a Dáil debate in which McDonald is speaking but is being heckled by a male politician. Under her breath she muttered “what a d***”, to which the Late Late audience applauded.

Despite Tubridy’s best efforts, McDonald would not name who it was she was referring to.

First published 23.45pm

Read: ‘I think that’s kind of shocking’: Tense exchanges as Mary Lou questions Rehab chief>

Read: ‘Can I suggest you relieve Minister Shatter of his duties?’ Mary Lou McDonald’s advice to Enda Kenny this afternoon>

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    Mute Brian Hunt
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    Jan 24th 2025, 9:45 AM

    Can’t remember a storm as bad as this one, definitely dangerous for people to be travelling!

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    Mute Mr “JonnieBoy” Johnson
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:22 AM

    Looking like all buildings and structures held up very well overall for the country given the particular intensity of this storm.
    If we could get the electricity supply to be more robust, then we would be well set to ride out more storms like this, which I imagine will be more frequent with changing global climate.

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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:42 PM

    @Mr “JonnieBoy” Johnson: Maybe put some of the lines underground, that would help things

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    Mute Richard Starling
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:14 PM

    I have to say very well done to ESB after our power was restored today after about 10 hours. Very good going considering the weather conditions.

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    Mute Matt D
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:46 AM

    On my way to work & I saw people waiting at bus stops.

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    Mute paulie
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:41 AM

    @Matt D: did you give any of them a lift.

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    Mute Matt D
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:16 PM

    @paulie: I was heading into the city, they were heading out so no. My employer told me I had to be in work regardless.

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    Mute paulie
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:27 PM

    @Matt D: I bet your employer wasn’t in.

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    Mute Matt D
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:56 PM

    @paulie: that’s why he’s the boss.

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:15 AM

    07′… in 2 years the only bus out of Dublin will be 20 years old! I wonder is it electric! Lol!

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    Mute Glaston Beary
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:59 AM

    A bit of wind. Must stock up. Terror.

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    Mute Jack Hayes
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:04 PM

    @Glaston Beary: Take some Buscopan or Bloateze for that and you might feel better . It’s obviously affecting your thought processes. Hope you get better soon.

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    Mute Alan d
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    Jan 25th 2025, 7:36 AM

    @Glaston Beary: Agree . Absolute madness over a few hours of bad wind

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    Mute Declan Dalton
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    Jan 25th 2025, 3:21 PM

    No Northside Dart services.

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