Politics

Michelle O'Neill: Sinn Féin's northern leader to be confirmed as party vice-president

Sinn Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill is the only candidate to become the party's new vice-president. Picture by Mal McCann
Sinn Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill is the only candidate to become the party's new vice-president. Picture by Mal McCann Sinn Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill is the only candidate to become the party's new vice-president. Picture by Mal McCann

SINN Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill will be the party's new vice-president.

Ms O'Neill was the only candidate for the post as nominations closed yesterday evening.

The job became vacant after outgoing vice-president Mary Lou McDonald was confirmed as the party's next president earlier this month - replacing veteran leader Gerry Adams.

Ms McDonald and Ms O'Neill will be formally ratified at a special Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin on February 10.

Ms O'Neill said last night she was "honoured".

“Sinn Féin wants to be in government north and south to deliver high quality public services on the basis of equality, rights, and prosperity," she said.

“We will continue to work against the twin threats of Brexit across the whole island and British government austerity in the north."

Sinn Féin national chairman Declan Kearney said Ms McDonald and Ms O'Neill will make a "formidable team".

"The strength and standing of Mary Lou and Michelle within Sinn Féin is reflected in the scale of nominations received and the fact that they were the obvious and uncontested choice of the Sinn Féin membership," he said.