McDonald confirms details of reshuffled team leading Sinn Féin into next election

Mary Lou McDonald has confirmed details of the reshuffled frontbench leading Sinn Féin into the next election. 

The Sinn Féin leader today (April 3) confirmed that ten changes have been made to her team, who she said is "ready to deliver change in government". 

She said, "This is the team that will lead Sinn Féin into the next General Election – a team full of talent, experience and ambition and bursting with the energy to deliver. 

"As we enter the last quarter of this government, it is clear that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are out of ideas and out of ambition. The longer they remain in office the more damage they will do. That is why we need change and a General Election as soon as possible." 

She continued: "Today I am setting out the team that will lead Sinn Féin into the next General Election. There are ten changes including Sorca Clarke and Pa Daly coming onto the frontbench for the first time where they will take on the Education and Justice portfolios. Pa Daly will bring his extensive experience as solicitor to the Justice brief and Sorca Clarke was an outstanding spokesperson on Defence. 

"Rose Conway-Walsh takes on the Public Expenditure and Reform portfolio having previously served on the Oireachtas Finance Committee. Indicative of Sinn Féin’s plan for a step change in research and development to make it the driver for the next generation of jobs, Mairéad Farrell will take on the Higher Education, Innovation and Science brief bringing to that portfolio her experience of the Public Expenditure and Reform portfolio, as well her expertise in economics.   

"Matt Carthy will bring a wealth of experience from his time as an MEP in the European Parliament to the Foreign Affairs portfolio, and Claire Kerrane will bring a real personal passion for the future of the family farm to the Agriculture brief." 

Sinn Féin leader @MaryLouMcDonald has announced a wide-ranging frontbench reshuffle, stating: “This team will lead Sinn Féin into the next General Election – full of talent and experience, and bursting with energy to deliver change in government.”https://t.co/fhyDEoF3sD pic.twitter.com/CRUoGCuGu8

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) April 3, 2023

Deputy McDonald said the party believes climate and transport should be taken as "stand-alone" portfolios. 

She said, "Darren O’Rourke will continue to hold the Environment and Climate brief while Martin Kenny takes on Transport and Communications. Similarly, we believe that Youth and Integration need a standalone focus and John Brady will bring his considerable knowledge of these areas to this brief.   

"Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire moves to the Social Protection portfolio from Education where he had been a strong advocate on behalf of students and parents. Louise O’Reilly, Kathleen Funchion and Imelda Munster will remain in their respective briefs of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Childcare; and Tourism and Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, Media." 

Several well-known and popular party members have stayed on in their roles, with Pádraig Mac Lochlainn continuing as Sinn Féin Chief Whip and spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine. 

David Cullinane continues as Health spokesperson and Eoin Ó' Broin in Housing, with Deputy McDonald stating they have "led in setting out clear detailed alternatives policies" to tackle the health and housing crises. 

She also confirmed Pearse Doherty will remain in his role and said, "[He] has shown that he will be the Finance Minister that ensures a government for change delivers on priority areas such Housing and Health.” 

Image: Sinn Féin/ Twitter