If the Social Democrats were in Sinn Fein's place

This is a strong possiblity. Only for Martin, who will be gone by the next election, SF and FF would have done a deal after the last election.

The radical Shinners will hate it as they will see it as diluting the Northern influence and playing down the Republican "cause", but it may be the best route to government for them.

FF have gone into coalition with nearly every party in the State, under a different leader they would have no problem with SF.

not a hope in hell of SF and FF merging.

Do people really believe voting in a different party will result in change? The problem in Ireland is that a radical shift is needed but the people are against any real change. Politics is completely unaccountable in this country much like the civil service. You can effectively do what you want as long as the boat isn't rocked too much. We have serious issues with pensions, debt, health, housing and energy but we are paralysed as a nation due to the majority of people in this country being more interested in themselves than the national interest.

We mock and scorn the US and UK for their politicians but our political class are the bottom of the barrel. Irish people have more of an interest in US/UK politics than what is happening on the ground here. Having worked for a company that does research for some of the bigger parties, it's very easy to see why Ireland is in such a mess. The majority of people either don't care or aren't interested, even if some are interested that interest will pass within a month of a particular topic or scandal. They all know this which is why someone like Micheal Martin can become the leader of this country. It's embarrassing and you all should be embarrassed.

not a hope. I dont think you fully understand SF

completely and utterly different scenario. it took a peace process to get SF and the unionists in the one place. What I do see happening is FF failing to pieces and SF collecting a lot of their support - but not the two parties joining hands and becoming one. If you think that then you really dont have much of a clue of how the average shinner thinks

You say that "Anything like thats WILL be down to the 'average shinner'. Sinn Fein have this thing called 'democracy' where party members can influence what the party does."

Now that is truly hilarious stuff. I don't think anyone has ever seen this thing called "democracy" in action within Sinn Fein. Is that the one where you agree to do what you're told in return for not being kneecapped or taken down a lane in County Louth and beaten to death with shovels?

How would it be terribly undemocratic if a Sinn Fein government in the South is refused a border poll in the North, which the people of the North don't want?

I support the conversation being had, it will bring home to people what a mammoth task it is, and the huge cost involved for taxpayers, and maybe that will bring a dose of reality. The doe-eyed green-tinged fairytale of a united Ireland of milk and honey paid for with taxes on unicorns and rainbows needs to be put under a harsh light.

Support for nationalist parties in the North is declining, as is support for unionist parties. There are effectively three minorities now. The minority in the middle won't vote for change that will bring huge disruption unless there are clear benefits. The taxpayer in the South can't afford the clear benefits.

I don't know, I was just answering another poster. However, it is about Sinn Fein and the differences to the SDs