Sinn Féin 'election ready' and set to run record number of candidates, says McDonald

There is a "real sense of positivity and optimism" within the party ahead of the forthcoming election, the Sinn Féin leader has said

Sinn Fein is “election ready” Mary Lou McDonald insisted yesterday, revealing the party will run more candidates “than ever before”.

Ms McDonald said there is a “real sense of positivity and optimism” among the party.

Speaking to reporters at the party’s Ard Fheis in Athlone, the Sinn Fein leader said: “We’re election ready, we look forward to the campaign and we’re in it to win it. We believe passionately that there has to be a change of government, that we can do so much better.” She said the party would seek to win a seat in every constituency and two in some.

READ MORE: Gardaí seize €1.4m in gold bullion, €460,000 in cash, and cocaine worth €260,000 in Dublin

READ MORE: Leo Varadkar and partner open up about 'next step' in first interview as couple

This week, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said immigration into Ireland had risen “too fast”.

Asked if she believed this was accurate, Ms McDonald said: “The population has grown – that’s a matter of mathematical fact.” She said this occurred at a time of a pre-existing housing crisis and pressures on “stretched services”.

Ms McDonald added: “Immigration has to be manage with community, fairness and common sense at its heart. That hasn’t been the case. “The attempts by the Government to distance themselves from their own failures is very obvious.”

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Clickthis link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.