Deputy Clarke: No change of leadership needed at SF

No change in Sinn Féin’s leadership is needed ahead of a general election, according to Deputy Sorca Clarke.

She said Mary Lou McDonald is a “fantastic leader” and dismissed suggestions that the party’s local and European election performance warranted a change at the top.

Sinn Féin had 102 councillors elected nationally, out of 949 seats available, and returned two MEPs, out of 14 seats available.

Deputy Clarke disagreed with how the party’s election performance has been framed by others.

“I think that it’s hugely ironic coming from some people who have lost seats, who have lost percentages of votes, to then say it’s a bad day for others and to do so with a straight face,” she said.

“We run candidates to get them elected but we are being realistic with the numbers we got.

“I know in some areas, not Westmeath, that there was a fairly high level of disappointment.”

Deputy Clarke said the party’s national performance, “in no way shape or form” takes away from Sinn Féin gaining two councillors in Westmeath.

“I am absolutely delighted for David Jones and Julie McCourt – their election did not come about by chance,” she said.

“I think 2019 was a horrendous year for Sinn Féin nationally, in the local elections, the complete opposite to what happened seven or eight months later in the general election.

“It’s an honour to see some councillors in Westmeath County Council again and they are two people who have put in a huge amount of work to get there.

“The tone of local authority meetings is hugely dominated by government parties, I’m talking nationally, so you will notice a difference with strong opposition voices.”

The Mullingar TD said she doesn’t believe a change of leadership is needed in Sinn Féin.

“The only people who are entitled to a say in the leadership of the party are the members of Sinn Féin,” she said.

“External commentators are entitled to an opinion, but they’re not entitled to influence a party that they’re not a member of.

“If they want to have a say, we can point them in the direction of Sinn Féin.ie and sign up.”

Deputy Clarke said Mary Lou McDonald is a “fantastic leader”.

“She has brought this party through its most successful general election campaign in the history of the party,” she said.

“The actions that she does on a daily basis are a testament to the dedication that she has to ensure that Sinn Féin goes on to lead the next government.”

Deputy Clarke added she is feeling “confident” for Sinn Féin ahead of the next general election, which can take place no later than March 2025.