Mary Lou McDonald dismisses election pact with Labour

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has appeared to rule out any post-general election coalition with Labour, in response to weekend criticism that her party is a “populist” group pretending to stand for leftist ideals.

Speaking during Labour’s annual conference, Tánaiste Joan Burton and deputy leader Alan Kelly repeatedly hit out at Sinn Féin, with the latter suggesting the opposition rival would “abandon” those in genuine need if they enter power.

Sinn Féin has previously ruled out going into government with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil, meaning it has few realistic options for a future coalition.