Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, has ruled herself out of running for President.

She's told her party colleagues she's not putting herself forward to represent Sinn Féin in next month's Presidential election.

The party will bring a proposal to members about its stance on the presidency on September 20th.

Mary Lou McDonald, has said she wants to be part of leading efforts to make changes she believes are needed in the country, and continue her work as a TD for Dublin Central.

"My job remains to take on this Government, lead Sinn Féin, lead the opposition, work with my Sinn Féin colleagues.

"But also colleagues beyond Sinn Féin, not alone to hold Micheál Martin and Simon Harris to account, to keep their feet to their flames for all of their many, many failings.

"But also when the next General Election comes around, to present to the Irish electorate, a real sense of an alternative Government".

Sinn Féin TDs are meeting in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin today and tomorrow, for the party's annual Think-In to discuss priorities ahead of the new Dáil term which begins next week.