Mary Lou McDonald has been confirmed as the new leader of Sinn Féin.
A special Ard Fheis took place at the RDS this afternoon, less than a month after Deputy McDonald was the only person nominated to succeed Gerry Adams.
Deputy Adams is stepping down after more than 34 years leading the party.
His successor was elected unopposed by hundreds of delegates today.
The Ard Fheis also saw delegates ratify Michelle O'Neill - the party's leader in the North - as deputy leader of the party.
Mary Lou McDonald is officially the new leader of Sinn Féin. A career starting in rapturous applause at the RDS #SFLeaders pic.twitter.com/OX5y93hnbC
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) February 10, 2018
Sinn Féin is currently the third-largest party in the Dáil with 23 seats - compared to only one in 1997.
However, the new party leaders face a number of challenges - such as the continuing struggles to reach agreement on restoring the Northern Ireland Executive.
Earlier this week, Deputy Adams - considered one of the most central figures in the Northern Ireland peace process - was asked what his legacy would be.
He responded: "God knows. I'm not really interested. Some people say 'what's your legacy?' - I won't be around."
Deputy McDonald, meanwhile, took to Twitter to praise the veteran party leader:
There's only one Gerry A - The foremost political leader of his generation. My mentor and friend. pic.twitter.com/ITFMi1ZUYx
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 9, 2018
