Liadh Ní Riada’s name will be added to the ballot paper in the Presidential election this November after being selected by Sinn Féin as the party’s candidate.
The Member of the European Parliament said today that she wants to be the “President for a New Ireland”.
She will face President Michael D. Higgins, Joan Freeman, Gavin Duffy and Seán Gallagher.
Polls suggest that she faces an uphill battle, with Michael D. Higgins expected to win by a landslide.
Ní Riada secured 125,309 first preference votes in the 2014 European Parliament Elections.
During her speech today, she said: “Ireland has radically changed since the last Presidential election. We’ve become a more caring and inclusive society.
“A global inspiration when it comes to progressive social change.
“But we are only at the beginning of this new chapter.
“It’s time for all of us – particularly our younger generation – to write our own story, to shape a new and United Ireland.
“Ireland needs an energetic President to support and encourage this journey.”
