I'm not ruling myself Sinn... or out

McDonald non-committal on presidential race bid

- BY LOUISE BURNE Political Correspondent

SINN Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has refused to rule herself out as her party's candidate in the presidential election.

It marks a major change for the Dublin Central TD who, up until yesterday, had repeatedly dismissed speculation she would stand.

It is expected the party will have a “clearer position” on its plans by the end of the month

President Michael D Higgins will come to the end of his 14-year term in Aras an Uachtarain in November.

An election is likely to take place in October but there have been no candidates declared yet.

Ms McDonald has repeatedly ruled out running in the election, saying as recently as March that it “won't be me”.