Launch of new book on "the next Taoiseach" Mary Lou McDonald

A new book, by former TD and government Minister Shane Ross, will be launched next month.

Entitled 'Mary Lou McDonald: A Republican Riddle', Ross brings to light the rise of the Sinn Fein’s leader.

A press release issued by the publishers stated: "Mary Lou McDonald never wore a balaclava. She never pulled a trigger or planted a bomb.

"She has never even been in prison – it is unlikely that she has ever incurred as much as a speeding fine. Yet she leads a party full of hardened IRA veterans.

"In a first biography, Mary Lou McDonald: A Republican Riddle, her former fellow-Dáil member, Shane Ross explores the influences on Mary Lou’s early life and fully covers her unexpected but hitherto unexplained political choices.

"He traces her strange transition from Ireland’s ruling Fianna Fail party into Sinn Féin.

"This scrupulously fair and balanced biography illuminates McDonald's political awakening, her relationship with the hard men of the IRA, and the evolution and future of Sinn Féin.

"Shane confesses that he has known and liked Mary Lou McDonald for many years, having worked with her when they were both in opposition on the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee (2011-2016).

"He describes Mary Lou as excellent company, lively and amusing. As a performer in the committee's sittings, she was second to none.

"She was well-briefed by the highly competent Sinn Féin back office, which was grooming her for greatness.

"Mary Lou is the bookies' favourite to be Ireland's next Taoiseach.

If successful, she will be the first woman to reach the office and the first Sinn Féin leader to enter government in the Republic of Ireland.

"But how did a quintessentially middle class, privately educated woman end up as the leader of a political party with such a recent terrorist past?

"Shane Ross examines her attitudes toward Gerry Adams, Sinn Féin violence and whether she is a true believer or another political opportunist.

"He reveals her relationship with the politicians - many emerging from the shadows - who may be part of her government if she achieves her ambition.

"Mary Lou McDonald: A Republican Riddle charts Mary Lou’s life from childhood to one of the most powerful women in Ireland.

"Published by Atlantic Books, Mary Lou McDonald: A Republican Riddle, will be available nationwide and online from October 4, 2022."