Sinn Féin open to coalition deal, but on condition of border poll

Party would launch the ‘largest public house building programme that Ireland has ever seen’ and a national health service

Michelle O’Neill, Mary Lou McDonald and Elisha McCallion at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Derry

A commitment to seeking that a border poll would be held within five years will be one of Sinn Féin’s central demands if it is to enter coalition after the next general election, Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Addressing delegates at the party’s ard fheis in Derry last night, McDonald reiterated the party’s openness to entering government, but said any Programme for Government would need to work towards achieving a 32-county republic.

While ...