By Rebecca Black
Copyright belfastlive
Sinn Féin has announced it will back the independent candidate Catherine Connolly in her bid to become the next president of Ireland. Party president Mary-Lou McDonald made the announcement in Dublin on Saturday following speculation it would run its own candidate. Speaking to the media alongside party vice president Michelle O’Neill and Pearse Doherty, Ms McDonald said the decision had been taken following a leadership meeting earlier in the day. Posting on social media, Ms McDonald said: “We can elect a president who will champion a United Ireland, stand up for Ireland’s place in the world as a defender of neutrality and human rights, and speak out for fairness and economic justice. “It’s now game on to elect Catherine Connolly as Ireland’s next President. We will give it our all!” Independent Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly welcomed the announcement that she has Sinn Féin’s support. In a statement she said: “I welcome the announcement that Sinn Fein are backing my candidacy for president of Ireland. “I thank Mary Lou McDonald for her leadership, and I’m heartened by their support. “I believe the coalition of left, centre-left parties and Independents backing my run for president is a welcome change for Irish politics. “However, if I am to be successful, I will be a president for all Irish people, of all political persuasion or none. See you on the road.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.
