SF rules out coalition ‘at any price’ after poll gain

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has aimed a pointed slap in the direction of Labour, saying that, despite her party’s high position in the latest polls, it will not enter government like the current coalition member "at any price".

Speaking after an opinion poll showed her party is the first choice for 26% (up 5 percentage points) of voters — above Fine Gael on 25% (up 3pp), Fianna Fáil on 19% (up 1pp), Labour on 6% (up 1pp) and Independents on 24% (down 10pp) — Ms McDonald said just because the option to gain power is there does not mean it will be taken.

While the polls strongly suggest Sinn Féin will be unable to get anywhere near an overall majority unless it joins with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil, the Dublin Central TD said that she “personally” does not want this as it will continue “austerity” policies.