Michael Clifford: Is Sinn Féin really what it claims to be?

Could they all be wrong about Sinn Féin? Could it be that those who suggest it is not a normal political party are being spiteful, opportunistic, fearful, or part of an establishment that despises what the party represents?

Last Thursday was historic for the country and for Sinn Féin. The party’s president, Mary Lou McDonald, received more votes for taoiseach than any other candidate, including more than did the leaders of the two parties that have largely governed for the last 100 years.