Cavan Monaghan Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Matt Carthy says Mary Lou McDonald has made the right decision.
He says Sinn Fein wants to deliver an alternative Government with Mary Lou McDonald at the helm.
This morning, she ruled herself out, adding she wants to continue her work as party leader in Leinster House.
Matt Carty wouldn't be drawn on the idea that he could be a candidate in the Presidential election if the party decides to run a candidate.
He said his priority was working as a local TD and holding the Government to account.
Meanwhile, the Sinn Féin leader has rejected claims her party has left it too late to declare who it will back in the presidential election. The party doesn't intend to announce whether it will run its own candidate or back an outsider until later this month.
Independent hopefuls have begun making their presentations to Kerry County Council this afternoon, and Sinn Féin's decision will come after a large majority of local authorities have already voted.
Speaking at the party's think-in in Dún Laoghaire, Mary Lou McDonald say they'll make their decision when they're ready.
