The Sinn Fein slide and the Fine Gael renaissance became the story of the elections. But why did the most popular party in Ireland fall flat? And how did FG, responsible for the housing crisis, resurrect itself in some Stockholm Syndrome swerve? Fair play to Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion - who took MEP seats - for saving Sinn Fein from what could have been a disastrous day out. Leader Mary Lou McDonald looked like someone on the verge of tears for the past week.
It’s a very unusual expression to witness in the normally pugnacious McDonald. She ran a record number of candidates this time out after humble-bragging how she ran too little the last time. READ MORE: 'After 43 long years of struggle, vindication at last for Stardust families' Security is mortal’s chiefest enemy, to quote Shakespeare’s MacBeth.
Believing you are infallible can be your downfall. There has been a high-handedness to Sinn Fein in the past year or so that was a major turn-off for long-time, loyal voters. Many felt a sense of betrayal at how the supposed Opposition failed to listen to them on broader issues that affect everyday lives.
Instead, they put all their efforts and energies wooing the fair-weathers with fashionable causes. Instead of considering their own voters’ constructive criticism, they argued back at them. Lately, they’re doing a lot more talking about Palestine, than they are about a united Ireland.
They promised “change” but then agreed with the Government constantly. The.
