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Mary Lou McDonald. Rollingnews.ie

Claim that Sinn Féin TDs have 'zero' influence over policies is untrue, says McDonald

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said party policy decisions are made by a small group of people.

SINN FÉIN LEADER Mary Lou McDonald has dismissed claims from former party member Peadar Tóibín who said TDs have “zero” influence over party policy decisions. 

Tóibín told the Irish Independent that most Sinn Féin TDs are not permitted to choose their own staff members.

The Aontú leader also said key policy decisions are made by six or seven people, before being “handed down” to TDs, the paper reported. 

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today, McDonald dismissed these claims against the party.

“That’s absolutely untrue, and so too is the actually bizzare allegation that somehow the Ard Chomhairle of the party is some sort kind of shadowy force,” she said. 

McDonald and her party’s candidates signed a pledge yesterday to be guided by instructions from its ruling body, the Ard Chomhairle, the Irish Times reported. 

“I can tell you elected members [TDs] have every influence and actually carry a huge responsibility to shape their workload, to deliver on their portfolio,” she said today. 

The leader said she has a team of people including TDs Pearse Doherty and Eoin Ó Broin who “do that admirably”. 

Sinn Féin will be launching its general election manifesto later today.

A recent Business Post/Red C opinion poll has suggested that the party is on 19% support. Fine Gael is on 23% and Fianna Fáil is on 26%, according to the poll. 

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    Mute lesidees
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:32 PM

    Can’t really argue with that, and yet… if the grass has been a centimetre longer, South Africa might have had one try less, and Ireland one try more.

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    Mute Clyde Bear
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:56 PM

    Fine margins, some silly errors and no luck. Never a good combination. Chance to bounce back next week in Durban at sea-level.

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    Mute Shaun Gallagher
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    Jul 6th 2024, 7:04 PM

    The technical rules now used in rugby are ruining the game. Just let them play.

    51
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    Mute reg morrisey
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:51 PM

    What was James Lowe at? Nightmare of a game. He’s a Leinster player isn’t he…………………

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    Mute Clyde Bear
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:53 PM

    @reg morrisey: Really poor trolling.

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    Mute Connor Coady
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:26 PM

    James Lowe….. Discuss…..

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    Mute James T.Kirk
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:27 PM

    @Connor Coady: Yin/Yang.

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    Mute David Cotter
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:37 PM

    @Connor Coady: he just must leave that kick go dead….then we’ve a midfield attack…sigh!!!!

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    Mute Sun Rise
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    Jul 6th 2024, 9:04 PM

    Ireland were never going to win this match.

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    Mute Robert Halvey
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    Jul 6th 2024, 9:32 PM

    We need to stop thinking that because we are irish we can’t succeed ,despite the fact that we have had over a 100 years off ffg self enriching wasters we are as capable as any other nation

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    Mute FoxyBoiiYT
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    Jul 6th 2024, 10:44 PM

    James Lowe of old has returned. Defensive liability

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    Mute Tim Brennan
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    Jul 7th 2024, 12:49 AM

    No need for refs cameras are killing the game when operated by guys scouring for errors

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    Mute Jp Cleary
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    Jul 6th 2024, 7:51 PM

    If anybody thinks Donnelly will disband that board they need their head felt.

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    Mute David Cotter
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    Jul 6th 2024, 6:28 PM

    We gave em enough of it

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    Mute John D Doe
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    Jul 7th 2024, 3:55 AM

    The demise of the evil shinners continues, karma is a beautiful thing

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    Mute Gerry Dornan
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    Jul 7th 2024, 8:43 AM

    @John D Doe: Karma or Kamala…?

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