Bruton refutes SF coalition chances

Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton today hit out at suggestions following last Friday’s election that Sinn Féin could become a coalition partner.

While acknowledging Sinn Féin had a successful election, the Dublin North Central TD said a myth was being swallowed that Sinn Féin was on the verge of forming an alternative government.

And he accused Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin of peddling the claim for various reasons.

Mr Bruton said: “It is important to put matters in perspective.

“Sinn Fein has increased its number of first preference votes by 23,000 compared to the General Election. This was a significant achievement.

“However it is dwarfed by Fine Gael’s achievement of increasing its vote by 84,000.”