Sinn Féin: Old problems for new leader

A real effort to find a solution in the next round of talks which begins on Wednesday would be a positive way for McDonald to start her leadership

President elect and current deputy leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald at the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast, after she was confirmed as the sole candidate in the race to succeed outgoing party president, Gerry Adam. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

President elect and current deputy leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald at the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast, after she was confirmed as the sole candidate in the race to succeed outgoing party president, Gerry Adam. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The accession of Mary Lou McDonald to the leadership of Sinn Féin has presented the party with a serious challenge as well an opportunity to move on to the next stage of its development.

Gerry Adams has led Sinn Féin for 35 years so his successor will inevitably have a hard time filling his shoes, as she acknowledged on Saturday when confirmed as the sole nominee for the position of Sinn Féin president.

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