The Multilevel Implications of a Sinn Féin Government in Ireland

Abstract The electoral growth of Sinn Féin on both sides of the Irish border has generated much political and academic attention in recent years. The party could form part of the government in Dublin for the first time at the next Irish general election, though that outcome is far from certain. If it were to gain power, Sinn Féin is likely to pursue policies which address the core socioeconomic issues its new supporters south of the border are concerned with, namely housing and healthcare. It will also be expected to push for an Irish unification referendum in the coming decade. While Sinn Féin entering government would clearly constitute a seismic event in the politics of the Irish state, there would also be knock‐on effects for politics in Northern Ireland, as well as British‐Irish and EU‐Irish relations. This article examines the impact Sinn Féin gaining power in Dublin could have on these various political dynamics, arguing the party exerts a unique influence on Irish, UK and European politics.