Enrique McAllister
Sinn Fein has emerged as the most popular party after Ireland’s election on Saturday, securing the most first preference votes and topping the polls in the vast majority of constituencies.
They received 24.5% of the vote share on first preference, while rivals Fianna Fail and Fine Gael got 22.2% and 20.9%.
The almost-even split means it could be months before a new government takes power, as parties look to form coalitions between themselves to secure a majority in the Dail – the Irish parliament.
Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said she would form a “people’s government” and pledged to tackle Ireland’s housing and health crises.
Asked whether her party’s performance was a “revolution” of Irish politics, she answered: “Yes, you could call it that for sure.”
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