Fianna Fáil grassroots members open to Sinn Féin coalition — but with Michelle O'Neill as leader

Members are not supportive of the idea of Mary Lou McDonald leading a Sinn Féin-Fianna Fáil coalition

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Tanaiste Micheal Martin at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on Monday, April 8, 2024. Picture: Oliver McVeigh/PA Wire

Opinions within Fianna Fáil's grassroots are mixed regarding a coalition with Sinn Féin, but the party membership are much more positive about Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill than leader Mary Lou McDonald.

The party membership gathered on Saturday for the 82nd Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis at Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre, with debates on policy and new party procedure taking place.