Podcasts Culture Profile Mary Lou McDonald

Mary Lou McDonald

Published: June 2, 2018, 6:15 p.m.

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The leader of Sinn F\\xe9in, Mary Lou McDonald has been a face of the campaign to scrap a ban on abortions.

In a referendum, voters in the Republic of Ireland voted overwhelmingly to overturn the abortion ban.

The campaign also increased the profile of Ms McDonald who took over as the leader of Sinn F\\xe9in in February.

Her personal story is very different from other leading Sinn F\\xe9in politicians.

Growing up in a middle class suburb of Dublin - a world away from the tough areas of Northern Ireland most Sinn F\\xe9in leaders knew during the years of the Troubles - insiders asked whether her untypical background would work for or against her.

Presenter: Ed Stourton\\nProducers: Estelle Doyle, Clare Spencer.

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