Sinn Fein demanded inclusion in Ireland’s next government after a record election showing, a move that would raise its central goal of reunification with Northern Ireland
DUBLIN - Sinn Fein on Monday demanded inclusion in Ireland’s next government after a record election showing, a move that would raise its central goal of reunification with Northern Ireland toward the top of the agenda in Dublin for the first time.
Successive surveys suggested the Sinn Fein surge was based almost exclusively on the major campaign issues of healthcare and the high cost and low availability of housing, with the idea of Irish unity barely registering with voters. Fine Gael repeated its insistence on Monday while Fianna Fail said it saw significant hurdles to such a tie-up.
A vote would also be required in Ireland and an exit poll on Sunday showed that 57% of voters backed holding one within five years. Eighty-one percent of Sinn Fein supporters want a poll, compared to 52% of Fianna Fail voters and 44% among Fine Gael. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael also want to see the unification of the island - partitioned almost a century ago - but say now is not the time. Fianna Fail pledged in its manifesto to start some preparations, but nowhere near the level Sinn Fein wants.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sinn Fein seeks place in Irish govt after electoral 'revolution'A general election surge in support for Sinn Fein, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army, upset Ireland's traditional two-party grip on power.
Read more »
Sinn Fein demands place at talks to form next Irish governmentIrish nationalist party Sinn Fein is ready to enter government in Ireland and it...
Read more »
Irish PM Varadkar says coalition with Sinn Fein is not an optionIrish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Sunday a coalition between his center-...
Read more »
Irish PM Varadkar says coalition with Sinn Fein is not an optionIrish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Sunday a coalition between his centre-...
Read more »
Long a political pariah, Sinn Fein relishes its breakthroughWhen Aengus O Snodaigh first sought election to Ireland's parliament in 198...
Read more »