(MENAFN) Gerry Adams' successor as the new Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has responded to accusations of potentially being the former leader's puppet, insisting that people who made the claim have no idea what kind of person she is.

She insisted "Gerry has led from the front for a very long time but I am the leader of Sinn Fein and I will lead."

The leader then emphasized "I'm not sure how to interpret the remarks of those who say that I will be a puppet because anyone who knows me for any length of time may have their criticisms of me but be in no doubt that I am nobody's puppet."

"I've had manys the debate, manys the discussion, some disagreements with Gerry. But I've never felt the need for those to take public expression and let me tell you why. Gerry and I are on the same team," she responded after being asked to give an example of a time she went against Mr. Adam's opinion.

MENAFN1102201800450000ID1096453881