The Irish Independent's View: Mary Lou McDonald's decision shows Sinn Fein is off the pace in race for Aras

"The decision by leader Mary Lou McDonald not to put herself forward will no doubt disappoint some of her supporters. She is a skilful campaigner and has repeatedly proven herself as a formidable debater - invaluable traits on the hustings. Some argue she is such a totem for Sinn Féin that were she to lose, she could damage both her own prospects and those of the party, so inextricably are their fates linked."

"Sinn Féin is nothing if not forensic in its detailed approach to campaigns. Some suspect if it really believed Ms McDonald could be the country's 10th president she would have been selected long since. Her party may also have thought her too valuable to take out of the Dáil For the record, Ms McDonald has said she had to "lead from the front" in holding the current Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael Coalition to account. And her party may also have thought her too valuable to take out of the Dáil, where she is its star performer."

"One might make a similar argument about Micheál Martin. Many in the Fianna Fáil fold might have seen him as their dream candidate. But he can claim that he has a country to run. In any event, the selection of Jim Gavin was an original choice made by Mr Martin. Although a political neophyte, he ticks a number of boxes in terms of public profile and appeal, whereas Sinn Féin is considering co-opting Independent candidate Catherine Connolly. Some will argue this is something of a cop-out. Ms Connolly may prove an outstanding choice, but the question will still be asked - if Sinn Féin really believed in her prospects, why did it not back her from the beginning?"

Sinn Féin has delayed nominating a presidential candidate while leader Mary Lou McDonald has chosen not to stand. McDonald is recognised as a skilful campaigner and formidable debater whose continued presence in the Dáil is seen as strategically valuable. Supporters worry her symbolic status could harm both her prospects and the party if she lost, while a victory would provide a significant boost. Sinn Féin's meticulous campaigning raises questions why a candidacy was not confirmed earlier if confidence existed. The party is considering Independent Catherine Connolly, prompting criticism about whether that choice was a late compromise.

Read at Irish Independent