Yep.

The problem is that having exactly the required number of TDs to form a government will result in a very unstable one.

They’ll need a buffer of 5+ TDs at least, so they’ll be looking for around 7/8 people in total.

These next few years could very well be a turning point in Irish politics.

A strong opposition from SF, SD, LAB, etc could pave the way for a realistic government without FFG.

In 2016 SF, SD and LAB had a combined total of 33 seats.

Today they’ll have 59.

Change takes time, but it’s coming.

With the Soc Dems performing well, and Labour having a great election, the possibility of an actual alternative to government is looking promising.

Sinn Féin will need to engage in an actual strategy with the left the next time around.

Vote Left Transfer Left isn’t enough.

Agreed.

I don’t agree with him on most things, but I moved from X to get away from the childish insults.

People can disagree without being horrible about it.

Saying unity could be achieved by 2030 is very different from prioritising unity over other important issues.

I am a Sinn Féin member, and I can assure you that none of us were told that.

SF is a republican party. Unity will always be important, but not at the expense of important social issues.

I’m not sure there’ll be much disappointment in the Sinn Féin camp tbh.

Of course, they would have liked an overwhelming mandate, but comparing this to the Locals and Europeans just a few months ago, where they struggled for 11% of the vote, this was a solid performance.

With context, there will always be excuses.

The fact remains, seats are what matters and Sinn Féin look set to be the second largest party in the Dáil.

Does that mean it’s been a good election for them? Not necessarily, but that same logic has to apply across the board.

Irish unity wasn’t a message at all in their campaign to be fair.

They focused on housing, healthcare and making life easier for low and middle income earners.

There’s plenty of things that SF can improve on, but I really don’t think the Irish unity message is one of them.

I don’t think so, personally.

I feel like Sinn Féin took the brunt of the far right, and despite the warnings, people have now realised that a vote for the far right is a vote for FFG.

I can see SF gains next time, but I’d like to see a solid left bloc, too.

I love the typo 🤣

Do I get a cookie for being right? 🤔

The far right gets annihilated and Paul Murphy takes a seat.

Love to see it!

I’m calling it for Ann Graves and Duncan Smith.

Mmm, democracy sandwiches

Jesus, that’s disgusting. Sorry you’ve had to deal with that.