Sinn Fein: ‘I’ll bet you £20 the DUP don’t hold the balance of power’
At Sinn Fein’s election manifesto launch this morning the longest round of applause followed the shortest statement of the day. Gerry Adams, the party’s president, was asked whether there were any circumstances in which Sinn Fein’s MPs would consider ending their policy of abstentionism and taking up their seats in the House of Commons.
The quickfire response amounted to just one word:”No.” The audience of politicians and activists lapped it up, laughing briefly then clapping enthusiastically. It’s a question they’ve faced repeatedly in recent weeks.
As for talk of the DUP potentially being courted post-election to prop up an incoming minority government, and thus ‘holding the balance of power’, the Sinn Fein leadership sounded contemptuous. “Other parties portraying themselves as kingmakers,” claimed Martin McGuinness, “were grossly over-exaggerating their involvement”.
“What if you’re wrong about the DUP?” I asked him later. “Andy,” replied McGuinness. “I’ll bet you £20 the DUP don’t hold the balance of power.” He’s confident.