Mary Lou McDonald has insisted she has never considered quitting as leader of Sinn Féin.
Earlier this year, Ms McDonald announced that Sinn Féin had conducted an internal review after performing well below its own expectations in the local and European elections.
She revealed senior figures in Sinn Féin were “disappointed” with her engagement with the party’s base.
On a personal level, Ms McDonald took several months off last year while recovering from hysterectomy surgery.
A short time later, her husband became seriously ill while on a family holiday in France. He went through surgery and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Also, the Sinn Féin leader’s father died almost two months ago.
During an interview on RTÉ’s The Week In Politics, Ms McDonald said she had not considered stepping down.
“I never considered that for a moment, absolutely not.”
Asked if that belief had never wavered ‘even on the hardest day’ of her difficult professional and personal year, she added: “Even on the hardest day – and some of the days were very hard – no.
“Because I know in my heart of hearts that quitting actually isn’t an option.
“I know in my heart of hearts that we can make incredible progress. We can make this country even better than it is.”
Pressed on whether she would step down if the party does not win the next general election, Ms McDonald said she had just been re-elected as party president at the Ard Fheis on Saturday.
“I carry this role mindful of its responsibility – and responsibilities can be onerous – but very proudly as the Uachtarain of Sinn Féin.
“I’m here for the long haul, I’m not a quitter.
“I’m at this a while now, I’ll be at it a while longer, and we’ll be at it until we get to a position where Ireland is transformed to an equal and full republic – and, in time, a 32-county one at that.”
