'I was extremely lucky': Mary Lou McDonald has a hysterectomy to remove tumours
Colleagues Lou Join Friday Will At Dublin On A Mcdonald In Mary President Sinn Féin In Event Think Party
Mary Lou McDonald has opened up about her recent surgery — a hysterectomy to remove tumours — saying it is important that people are able to talk about issues of women's health.
The Sinn Féin leader posted a message on social media on Wednesday saying she has returned to work after a few months off to recover from the procedure.
Speaking on , Ms McDonald said while the surgery was keyhole it was a very serious operation.
"So I lost my womb, my ovaries, so it was fairly significant surgery," she said. "The tumours were removed, and I didn't require any further treatments or therapies."
She added: "It knocks you off course, but I was extremely lucky. The care I got in the Rotunda Hospital was outstanding."
The Sinn Féin president said having the procedure made her reflect on herself as a woman, as a mother and with getting older.
"You're kind of confronted with the fact that you're not superhuman, you know, that you're at another stage in your life, and that's really why I'm speaking to you about this. It's very important that we can talk about this issue."
She said it was very important for women's health that we can have these conversations and understand what women and girls are going through.
Ms McDonald will join party colleagues at a think-in event in Dublin on Friday.
In the video released earlier in the week, she thanked those who had sent messages of support during her recovery.
“I just want to say a very big thank you for all of the comments and support and messages that have been sent to me on social media, and how much they have meant to me and how much they helped me."
Ms McDonald went on to criticise Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s record in government, particularly in respect of housing provision.
“Sinn Féin will fix this housing crisis, we’ll deliver the biggest affordable and social housing building programme this state has ever seen,” she said.
“We will leave no stone unturned in tackling this crisis. And if I’m given the honour after the next election to lead government and become Taoiseach I will make housing the number one priority.
“There is so much promise, so much greatness and potential in our people and in our country and I believe with all my heart that our best days are ahead of us.
“I’ve never felt more hopeful and more committed to delivering a better, fairer and stronger Ireland and a united Ireland.”