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.

However, despite the numerical reality and in a clear reference to the Labour-Fine Gael deal in 2011, Ms McDonald said her party is not willing to enter government “at any price”.

“We’re not the Labour party,” she said. “We’ve absolutely no intention of betraying people like the Labour party did.”

Ms McDonald’s comment — which Labour has consistently rejected since entering power — will be seen in some quarters as an attempt to dampen expectations as Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Labour have However, the remarks also further underline recent suggestions that Civil War politics may be at an end, with a Fine Gael/Fianna Fáil coalition looking a possibility, creating a clear demarcation line with other parties.

Both Ms McDonald and Health Minister Leo Varadkar said support is gathering around their parties. Ms McDonald was speaking at the start of a three-day protest outside the Dáil by families of victims seeking 20km/h speed limits in estates, an issue due to be voted on this week.

While the poll found Mr Varadkar is now more popular than Taoiseach Enda Kenny to be Fine Gael leader after the general election, he said his leader is in charge “for as long as he wants to be” — a position Ms McDonald also took when asked about Gerry Adams.

The poll also found 72% feel Mr Varadkar’s decision to publicly confirm he is gay will not damage any future bid to be Taoiseach, with support for the marriage equality referendum split 56% to 44% in favour.