Sinn Fein will seek to form a coalition government in Ireland after apparently winning a simple majority in Saturday's general election, based on 96 percent of first-preference ballots counted. The result is expected to pose a challenge to Ireland's traditionally two-party system.
Party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, announced to a cheering crowd on Sunday that a “revolution in the ballot box” is occurring as she confirmed that she will attempt to form a ruling coalition with other parties.
Dublin residents appeared both surprised and intrigued by the news on Monday morning. John Fitzgerald, a local resident, said "it's a surprise in terms that I didn't expect it three weeks ago." "Irish politics are volatile," he added.
Sinn Fein, still associated by many with the Irish Republican Army (IRA), claimed almost a quarter of first preference votes.
The result means Sinn Fein have shocked the establishment parties; Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for much of recent memory. McDonald has said Sinn Fein rules out forming a coalition with either of the two parties. (Ruptly website)
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