Pearse Doherty: I have no interest in being Sinn Féin leader

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Pearse Doherty has ruled out any interest in replacing Mary Lou McDonald as leader of a bruised Sinn Féin following worse-than-expected election results.

It comes after Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said Sinn Féin’s slide in public support may not be over.

Mr Toibin, who was previously a Sinn Féin representative, said there were “serious questions” about Ms McDonald’s leadership and added that Mr Doherty’s name was coming up “more and more”.

However, Mr Doherty rejected the suggestion on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the TF Royal Theatre count centre in Co Mayo, he said: “There is no question within the party in relation to the leadership of Mary Lou McDonald.”

Asked by reporters if he had any interest in being leader, he said: “No.”

He added: “Opposition will try to mix as much as they want – as I said, Mary Lou McDonald will provide positive and energetic leadership running into the next general election.”

Asked about the comments made by Mr Toibin, Mr Doherty said: “We won’t be taking lectures from others as well on this.”

For her part, Ms McDonald has dismissed speculation that her own position as leader may now be in question.

She said: “I am the leader of Sinn Féin and I will lead the party into the next general election.”