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Sinn Féin yet to decide to run presidential candidate

Gareth Gordon
BBC News NI political correspondent
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Mary Lou McDonald ruled herself out of running for president

Sinn Féin have said they have not decided if they will run their own candidate or back another in the next Irish presidential election.

Party president Mary Lou McDonald also ruled herself out of the running.

The election has to be held before November 11 this year.

There had been some speculation McDonald may stand following her disappointment at not emerging as taoiseach in last year's general election.

But speaking in Belfast on Friday, McDonald said: "We're speaking with others, other parties, and there are options available to us to run a Sinn Féin candidate, to back another, and we haven't concluded on that.

"I hope, with regards to myself, if there has been (speculation) no, it won't be me. I want Sinn Féin to be in government in Dublin.

"I still believe that we can achieve that, and I know that for progress to be made in so many areas, in housing and giving a chance for our younger people in particular, we need to change the government and all of my energy and my effort is towards achieving that."

'US contribution to peace process'

EPA Three people stand smiling. On the left, a woman with brown hair wearing a green dress. In the middle, a man with blonde hair wearing a navy suit with a red tie. On the right, a balding man in a navy suit and dark green tie. The man on the right has a sprig of shamrock in his breast pocket. The two men are holding a bowl - inside the bowl is a green plant. EPA
Sinn Féin boycotted this year's St Patrick's Day events in the White House

Speaking for the first time since Sinn Féin boycotted this year's St Patrick's Day events in The White House she said her party had no regrets.

McDonald said the decision had not been taken lightly and that the relationship with the United States remains a very important one.

"I want to recognise again, the contribution of success of US administrations informing, in nurturing and in the development of the peace process here," she said.

"There are moments in life where you take a decision and you make the stand. And this is such a moment for us and I know that our friends in the United States understand why we took this decision, and I also know that we will continue to work constructively with everybody."

McDonald also highlighted the fact that Israel resumed fighting in Gaza on Tuesday.

At least 591 people - including more than 200 children - have been killed in that time, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

McDonald said her party had to take a stance on the fighting and that's why the decision was made not to attend Washington, adding the US "need to stop arming Israeli aggression".

How do you become president of Ireland?

To run for the office of President of Ireland, you have to be an Irish citizen and aged over 35.

You also have to be nominated.

In order to formally contest the election, an individual needs the backing of either 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) or four of the 31 local authorities.