HEALTH Minister Michelle O’Neill will be unveiled today as the replacement to Martin McGuinness at Stormont.
The mother-of-two was selected at the weekend at a Sinn Fein Ard Comhairle meeting of senior party officers.
Mr McGuinness quit as the party’s Foyle MLA last week due to his failing health after being struck down with a life threatening condition.
Ms O’Neill, who turned 40 earlier this month, has held two ministerial portfolios at Stormont – firstly as Agriculture Minister and currently as Health Minister.
She has been pushed to the fore in recent months and has been leading Sinn Fein’s discussions with the DUP over the ‘cash-for-ash’ scandal.
The Co Tyrone politician will become deputy first minister if and when Sinn Fein ever nominate a replacement to the position once the ‘cash-for-ash’ scandal is resolved.