Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says the party stands “absolutley” over its decision to contest the presidential election. The exit poll sees Peter Casey on 21 per cent; Seán Gallagher on 7 per cent; Joan Freeman on 6 per cent and Gavin Duffy on 2 per cent. Ms McDonald said she was disappointed with the result and wished they had polled more strongly but said “I stand absolutely over our decision”. She said the presidency should not be 14 years “without punctuation” for a role that costs the State €8 million. I’ve no doubt some of it went to Michael D as well because he is a popular president.

Source: The Irish Times October 27, 2018 11:37 UTC