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Mary Lou McDonald faces her biggest challenge yet, five years after rising to the top of Sinn Féin

After nearly 20 years playing the ultimate long-game, can the party leader transform it from one-time political pariahs into a party of government?

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and vice-president Michelle O'Neill speak to the media outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House, Belfast, after Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris held a round table session with Stormont leaders. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and vice-president Michelle O'Neill speak to the media outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House, Belfast, after Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris held a round table session with Stormont leaders. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA
Jennifer Bray's picture
Jennifer Bray
Sat Feb 11 2023 - 06:00 • 12 MIN READ
Sinn FéinMary Lou McDonaldGerry Adams