Is their day coming?

Mary Lou McDonald’s popularity can help Sinn Féin to 30 seats, as it focuses on constituencies where it went closest last time

Mary Lou McDonald’s ascension to the leadership of Sinn Féin has served as a huge shot in the arm to the party Picture: Maura Hickey

Sinn Féin’s strategy for the next general election will be built around its party leader. Mary Lou McDonald’s popularity among the public was evident during the abortion referendum, and can be seen in the noticeable uptick in Sinn Féin’s rating in the polls since she took over in February.

McDonald is female, relatively young and not remotely as polarising a figure as Gerry Adams was. Until recently she had given the distinct impression ...