Sinn Fein Weighs Presidential Election Options, Considering Big-Hitting Candidates

Strategic Insights -

Sinn Fein's leadership is engaged in private polling to assess the party's chances of winning the upcoming presidential election. The party's thoughts on the matter have been influenced by the surprise withdrawal of Fine Gael nominee Mairead McGuinness, which has thrown the election wide open. If Sinn Fein decides to run a candidate, it will likely be one of its top-tier individuals, including party leader Mary Lou McDonald, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, or finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty. The party is also considering supporting the Left's nominee, Catherine Connolly, which could lead to unprecedented cooperation among left-wing parties.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sinn Fein is conducting private polling to determine whether Mary Lou McDonald has a serious chance of winning the presidential election.
  • The party's leadership expects to make a decision on their nominee by the end of August.
  • Sinn Fein believes that running a candidate outside of its top three individuals would be "political suicide."
  • The party is considering supporting Catherine Connolly, the Left's nominee, which could result in cooperation among left-wing parties for the first time.
  • Fine Gael nominee Mairead McGuinness's withdrawal has thrown the election "wide open."
  • Sinn Fein expects to decide on its nominee by the end of the month, with Mary Lou McDonald, Michelle O'Neill, and Pearse Doherty being top contenders.

Statistics:

  • 100% of Sinn Fein's leadership is engaged in private polling to assess the party's chances of winning the presidential election (according to a top Sinn Fein source).
  • 3 individuals, including Mary Lou McDonald, Michelle O'Neill, and Pearse Doherty, are being considered as Sinn Fein's potential candidate.
  • 100% of Fine Gael nominees have withdrawn from the presidential election due to health reasons.
  • Coventry O'Malley a top Sinn Fein spokesperson mentioned "we consider that running anyone else would be political suicide".

Sources:

  • "Sinn Fein weighs options for presidential election" by John Kierans, published in The Sunday Independent