Northern Ireland

John Finucane a 'strong contender to be Sinn Féin's presidential candidate'

John Finucane has been linked to Sinn Féin's presidential candidacy. Picture by Declan Roughan
John Finucane has been linked to Sinn Féin's presidential candidacy. Picture by Declan Roughan John Finucane has been linked to Sinn Féin's presidential candidacy. Picture by Declan Roughan

Belfast solicitor John Finucane has emerged as one of the contenders to be Sinn Féin's presidential candidate.

Bookmaker Paddy Power yesterday said it had suspended betting on Mr Finucane following a "string of bets" backing him.

The 38-year-old former Antrim goalkeeper stood as Sinn Féin's Westminster candidate in North Belfast last year, increasing the party's share of the vote by eight per cent.

He was unavailable for comment last night.

When asked about his potential candidacy yesterday, party leader Mary-Lou McDonald yesterday described the solicitor as "wonderful".

However, despite the Sinn Féin president's complimentary response, most observers still expect the party to choose a woman who hails from south of the border.

Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan ruled herself out of the race on Sunday though confessed to having given the idea "serious thought" after many members urged her to throw her hat into the ring.

Her Brussels colleague Liadh Ní Riada, who is the Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, has yet to rule herself out and is still regarded by many as the most likely candidate.

A native Irish speaker, Ms Ní Riada served on the board tasked with setting up TG4.

RTÉ yesterday reported that Mr Finucane had been described by senior Sinn Féin figures as a "strong contender" to be selected as the party's candidate for the presidential election.

Another northerner linked with the candidacy is Fermanagh-South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew.

Sinn Féin formally announced on Saturday that it would contest the presidential election but it has yet to pick a candidate.

A party selection committee headed by Waterford TD David Cullinane will report next week to the party's ard comhairle.

Former Labour TD, Michael D Higgins announced last week that he would seek at second term.

Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour have all backed Mr Higgins, with Sinn Féin the only Dail party to put forward a candidate. However, a number of independents have expressed an interest in running if they can get the support of four councils.

Sinn Féin contested that last presidential election in 2001, with Martin McGuinness securing almost 14 percent of the vote.

The election is expected to take place in November.