'It's time for change': Grassroots members say Sinn Féin are ready for Government

Gathering at Sinn Fein's Ard Fheis, party members from all walks of life are excited and ready to see their political leaders in Government

Party members said that the mood around Sinn Féin was one of "optimism" and one member from Dublin said they "fully expect" to see Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach in 2025. Picture: Damien Storan/PA Wire

A Kilkenny mother of four has said she will no longer vote for Fianna Fáil and has become a Sinn Féin activist, because she blames Micheál Martin’s party for leading her children into a poverty trap.

Ruth Dowling from Kilmacow, Co Kilkenny said how one of her children signed her up to be a Sinn Féin member as a prank a year ago, but it has transformed how she will vote in the next General Election.