Sinn Féin would consider FF coalition after election

SINN FÉIN would consider entering Government with Fianna Fáil if the party received absolute commitments on Irish unity and issues concerning health, education and housing, the party said yesterday.

Launching the party’s economic policy yesterday, finance spokesman Caoimhgín Ó Caoláin said the party will not make a “definitive decision” about its participation in coalition until after the election.

“At that point in time, we will evaluate the situation. We will take into account all the critical issues. We are not ... ruling out any proposition or prospect,” he said.

Dublin Central candidate Mary Lou McDonald said the benchmark for Sinn Féin entering Government would centre on an agreement with their partners to provide efficient healthcare system, a proper housing strategy, increased investment in education and services for the elderly, in addition to creating an All-Ireland economy.

“We are not simply in this for the rhetoric. We have a political programme that is deliverable,” she said.

Sinn Féin’s economic policy, published yesterday, has prioritised increasing the minimum wage to 60% of average industrial earnings and ensuring those on or below average industrial earnings are within the standard rate of tax.

The party has pledged to “aggressively pursue” tax evasion and close legal loopholes that allow millionaires not to pay tax.