Ireland’s Sinn Fein’s election hopes were dashed by the controversy

(Bloomberg) — Ireland’s largest opposition group, Sinn Fein, has been embroiled in scandal over its handling of its party’s internal procedures, which could hurt its performance in an upcoming election. ‘must be held in March 2025 but could be convened earlier.

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One of the party’s members of parliament in Dublin, Brian Stanley, resigned at the weekend, alleging unfair conduct in the party’s complaints process after an internal investigation into allegations against him reached a preliminary conclusion of poor serious conduct, according to the Irish Times. Complaints against Stanley were referred to the police, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told RTE radio, but political opponents have raised questions about why the case was not referred to the authorities sooner.

It is not the first scandal to hit the left-wing Irish nationalist party in recent weeks. Questions about the inner workings of the party were initially raised in October, when two party figures in Northern Ireland referred to a former colleague who was under investigation for child sex offences. Political opponents and local media challenged the party leadership on what it knew and when, but were left unsatisfied with the answers.

Another representative, Patricia Ryan, also resigned from the party last week, telling radio station Kjm that she was prevented from asking McDonald questions at meetings.

Until a few months ago, the party whose key principle is Irish reunification was leading the government coalition parties in the polls. However, a September Irish Times poll showed support falling to 20%, down from 34% the previous year. The all-island party, which had never before governed in the Republic, hoped to capitalize on voter discontent by offering alternative solutions to the big challenges of housing, health and infrastructure.

Its fortunes changed as it lost ground in June’s local and European elections, while the centrist governing party Fine Gael surged in the polls under new leader Prime Minister Simon Harris.

Earlier this month, the coalition government delivered a budget giveaway on early corporation tax receipts. It suggests Harris could call a snap election before the end of the year to capitalize on his party’s gains.

“As leader of Sinn Fein, when complaints are made, when there is an issue of behavior or standards within the party, I make no apologies to anyone for insisting that the rules are applied fairly, without fear, without favour” , McDonald said. RTE Radio Monday. “We are a party more than suitable for the government. We have procedures that work, that hold people accountable.”

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