Sinn Fein supporters across Donegal may have been left disappointed after Pearse Doherty ruled himself out of the race to become the new party leader.
The Gaoth Dobhair man is considered a future leader of the party and many thought he may have challenged for the position this time around.
The vacancy comes after party leader Gerry Adams signalled his intention to step down.
Doherty ruled himself out of the running but it appears that Mary Lou McDonald is now in pole position to take the position.
Deputy Doherty said however, that he feels there may be other candidates in the forthcoming leadership race.