After 34 years, the changing of the guard has come – with Mary Lou McDonald set to take over the role of Sinn Fein leader. The Dublin woman has been clear favourite for some time to replace Gerry Adams, one of the longest serving party leaders in the world. She was once described by her party colleague Caral Ni Chuilin as “one of the most formidable women in politics”. In 2002, Ms McDonald was Sinn Fein’s candidate in Dublin West, but she failed to win a seat in the Dail (Irish parliament). By 2009, she was deputy leader of the party – and in 2011 became a member of the Dail for Dublin Central.

Source: Daily Mail January 20, 2018 11:37 UTC