Adams will not be SF’s candidate for Áras, says leader

GERRY Adams will not be Sinn Féin’s candidate for the presidency of Ireland if the party decides to nominate someone, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has said.

The recently elected leader has reiterated her view that there should be an election for the office of President, and said the party will make a decision on the issue soon.

‘That is something we need to decide on and it is something that we are going to have to decide on in the near future,’ Ms McDonald said at the weekend, responding to questions about a possible candidate.

‘I mean, I have said consistently, as a matter of principle, I think... there should be an election.

‘I don’t favour this idea that somebody just moves from one term of office into another automatically.

‘I think it’s healthier to have the debate. Not least because the campaigns allow for broader political debates than All smiles: Mary Lou McDonald and Gerry Adams we have in general election know what his intentions are. campaigns.’ And Sinn Féin hasn’t taken a

Ms McDonald said Sinn Féin decision on the matter. has ‘loads of candidates’ who ‘We are going to have to would be suitable to run. discuss that. But my instinct

‘Hundreds of them,’ she would be that there ought to added. ‘There would be no be an election. I think it’s a problem finding a candidate I healthy thing.’ am sure, should we decide [to A number of potential candidates field one].’ have declared their

When asked if Gerry Adams interest in the office, including would be one of these, Ms independent senator Gerard McDonald replied with a firm Craughwell. ‘No’. Mr Craughwell has said he

She added: ‘I am saying that would be putting his ‘name with great respect to Micheal forward to ensure there is an D Higgins. I think he has been election’ as President Higgins, tremendous. We don’t yet who turns 77 later this month, said during the presidential election campaign in 2011 that he intended to serve just one term.

The Irish Daily Mail recently revealed that artist, and former RTÉ personality, Kevin Sharkey is assembling a team to help him secure a nomination for the race to the Áras.

When asked if she would ‘force the issue and cause an election’, the Sinn Féin leader distanced herself from the term ‘forcing the issue’, but she said the party would ‘discuss it and decide whether to contest, and if to contest, who might be interested or who might be available as a candidate.

‘So I don’t have a definitive answer for you, but I do have a view myself,’ she added.

None of the main parties have confirmed whether they will field a candidate to run against President Higgins if he seeks re-election.

RTÉ star Miriam O’Callaghan has been linked with the Fianna Fáil candidacy, as has Senator Mark Daly.

It is also understood that Fine Gael MEPs Seán Kelly and Mairéad McGuinness would be interested in the role. emmajane.hade@dailymail.ie