SF selects Maria McCormack as election candidate in Laois

Sinn Féin has selected Maria McCormack as the party's general election candidate in Laois.

Ms McCormack, from Ballyroan, was nominated as the candidate this evening.

Ms McCormack received a standing ovation from those in the room.

Addressing Sinn Féin members, she said it was an honour to be selected for the party.

"I do not underestimate the challenge given the recent difficulties in Laois," she said.

"The Sinn Féin seat belongs to Sinn Féin, it does not belong to anyone in particular," she added.

Ms McCormack said she is hoping to be elected the first female TD in Laois.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the entirety of Sinn Féin in Laois is backing its general election candidate Maria McCormack.

Asked about controversy surrounding former TD Brian Stanley and the impact of that on the party in Laois, Ms McDonald said: "Brian can account for himself, tonight is Maria's night."

She described Ms McCormack as "a formidable woman, an activist and a mother" who can make history by becoming the first female TD ever elected in Laois.

Stanley should 'man up' - McDonald

Last week, Mr Stanley said he was treated appallingly by the Ms McDonald.

Responding to those claims this evening, Ms McDonald said Mr Stanley should "man up".

"Brian is accountable for his actions and he can answer for those and I would think that rather than pointing the finger at others, Brian should man up and take responsibility for hs own actions," she said.

Ms Mc Donald said she never felt more ready for a general election, however she refused to drawn on how many seats the party would like to win.

"As many as we can win," she said.

She said that as leader of the party, for the most part she is filled with pride, however some days are challenging and "thats just part and parcel of being a leader".

She was responding to questions about the number of controversies in the party in recent weeks.

She said: "Being in leadership, you wake up every morning and you just don't know what they day is going to bring.

"We are a very big party. We have the most committed activists across the island and for the most part i am filled with pride and some days we have days that are challenging but that's just part and parcel of being a leader.

"We are a large organisation and you can't legislate for human behaviour."

The Sinn Féin leader also confirmed that there are no more live investigations against any Dáil candidates