Sinn Fein senator rules out Michelle O’Neill bid for Irish presidency

Conor Murphy also ruled himself out as a candidate for the race for the Aras this year

Conor Murphy, who recently became a member of the Seanad in Dublin, said Sinn Fein vice president Ms O’Neill’s focus remained on being First Minister.

Former Stormont finance minister Mr Murphy also ruled himself out of the running for the Irish presidency, stating that there was a better chance of the DUP leader becoming a candidate.

The DUP had suggested that Sinn Fein’s White House boycott was an attempt to garner support ahead of a presidential election at the end of this year.

In a letter to party members, DUP leader Gavin Robinson suggested that this was why the press conference involving Ms O’Neill was held in Dublin.

Asked about the comments on BBC’s Sunday Politics programme, Mr Murphy said: “I think there’s probably more chance of Gavin Robinson standing for the presidential election than Michelle.

“Michelle is doing a very very good job as First Minister for all and… it is…