Michelle O'Neill named as replacement to Martin McGuinness

Sinn Fein has announced that Michelle O'Neill will take over Martin McGuinness at Stormont.

The Mid Ulster MLA could be set to become deputy first minister if March's election follows the recent pattern and power-sharing is restored.

She will have to spearhead talks aimed at forming a ministerial Executive; with the DUP and Sinn Fein at odds over a host of issues including the Irish language.

Mr McGuinness stepped away from the political stage, citing his health problems, shortly after a bitter rift between the major parties triggered the collapse of the powersharing executive in Belfast.

While a green energy scheme financial scandal precipitated the meltdown, Mr McGuinness has also accused former first minister Arlene Foster and other DUP members of showing disrespect to Irish culture and failing to reciprocate republican gestures of reconciliation.

He announced last week he is not running in the forthcoming assembly poll due to his serious illness.

Elisha McCallion will run in the Assembly Election to replace Mr.McGuinness as a Foyle MLA.

Announcing the appointment, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said Ms O'Neill represented a "new generation" for the party.

"As a united all-Ireland team, we will give her the space and support to find her own voice and continue the good work Martin pioneered," he said.

Mr McGuinness invoked a familiar republican phrase, which Mr Adams once used in reference to the IRA, to insist he would still be involved in political activism.

"I haven't gone away, you know," he said.

Ms O'Neill said being a republican was her "way of life".

The 40 year old told the party faithful at Parliament Buildings, Stormont: "I won't let you down."

She added: "This is the biggest honour and privilege of my life."