Northern Ireland

Mary Lou McDonald back to work following coronavirus

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald posted a short video online.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald posted a short video online. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald posted a short video online.

SINN Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has returned to work after suffering from coronavirus.

Mrs McDonald confirmed last week that she had received a positive diagnosis for Covid-19.

The Dublin Central TD said she had experienced a setback in her recovery last weekend, after developing post-viral pleurisy in her right lung, but said she intended to return to work.

Mrs McDonald said she was informed by her doctor that she was no longer infected, or infectious, and she said this was a great relief after weeks of feeling unwell.

The Sinn Féin leader's first appointment following her illness was to address a meeting of her parliamentary party.

She told them that other scenarios could still unfold despite the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael policy agreement. The two parties have excluded Sinn Féin from their coalition plans to form a new government.

Mrs McDonald later took part in an online public meeting with constituents to discuss the party's plans and the ongoing Covid crisis.

Cavan Monaghan TD Matt McCarthy, the party's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill and Donegal TD Pearse Doherty also took part in yesterday's online meeting.

In a short clip posted online the Sinn Féin leader said: "We have so much to talk about, how we get through this coronavirus crisis together and then how we move on.

"How we deal with health, with housing with ensuring you and your family have enough to live a decent life, how we rebuild our economy and society."