Sinn Féin backs Catherine Connolly in presidential election

Sinn Féin has confirmed it will back Catherine Connolly in the presidential election.

Party leader Mary-Lou McDonald made the announcement in Dublin on Saturday following speculation it would run its own candidate.

Speaking to 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.

She also confirmed that the party would provide both financial support and support out on the ground, campaigning for Ms Connolly.

“In our discussions we have had two priorities, firstly to get Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael out of government, and to keep them out of the Áras, and today’s decision allows us to pursue both of those objectives,” she said.

“This is of course a big decision to support a candidate from outside of our membership, and to work with the combined opposition to collectively take on the government, to give people a clear choice and to give people hope.”

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!”

She added: “This, I think, is a unique moment, and where the combined opposition now collectively rallies behind a strong and able candidate in Catherine Connelly and yes, to take on the political establishment, to say very clearly to people that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil who are failing so spectacularly in government should not be rewarded with the Áras.”

Ms McDonald also thanked President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina for their service.

“President Higgins has served our country with distinction and with integrity,” she said.

“He has been committed to promoting the best of Ireland, its people, our creativity and culture and our democratic values.

“When President Higgins speaks, people listen because he understands the challenges facing workers, families and communities where he saw unfairness, inequality and injustice.”

In a statement, Ms Connolly welcomed the announcement from Sinn Féin.

"I thank Mary Lou McDonald for her leadership and I’m heartened by their support," she said.

"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."

Former GAA manager Jim Gavin will contest the election for Fianna Fáil while former government minister Heather Humphreys is standing for Fine Gael.

Nominations close on September 24th and the presidential election will take place on October 24th.

Outgoing president Michael D Higgins has been in the role since 2011, having served the maximum two terms.