The Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she wants to form a coalition government after the next election with either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil. She said that she expected to talk to both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael about forming a government after the next election, although both parties have repeatedly ruled out any coalition deal with Sinn Féin. She also rejected suggestions that Sinn Féin was closer “culturally” to Fianna Fáil. OppositionHowever, the Sinn Féin leader will have to convince either or both big parties to overcome their stated opposition to doing a deal with her. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has trenchantly ruled out any deal with Sinn Féin, while Fine Gael has also said it will not form an administration with the party.

Source: The Irish Times June 05, 2018 00:00 UTC