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The closer you are, the harder it gets: Sinn Féin and the Reunification of Ireland

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Colin MurrayORCiD

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Abstract

Sinn Féin is now a major force in politics in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It achieved the largest first-preference vote share in the most recent legislative elections in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Alongside this success, Brexit has radically changed public discourse over Northern Ireland's constitutional status. An arrangement where Northern Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, but enjoyed an all-but invisible border with Ireland for many purposes, had been achieved whilst the United Kingdom was part of the European Union, and was imperilled by the United Kingdom's withdrawal. This confluence of electoral success and constitutional upheaval has provided Sinn Féin with the opportunity to advance its core political aim; the reunification of the island of Ireland as an independent state. The reality, however, is that a united Ireland remains a largely undefined ambition, and Sinn Féin's efforts to get closer towards achieving this most cherished of its political aims could come with considerable electoral costs.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Murray C

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Costituzionalismo Britannico e Irlandese

Year: 2024

Volume: 2024

Issue: 2

Pages: 50-59

Online publication date: 31/12/2024

Acceptance date: 02/12/2024

Date deposited: 07/03/2025

ISSN (electronic): 3035-1839

URL: https://www.rivistacbi.it/the-closer-you-are%2c-the-harder-it-gets-sinn-f%c3%a9in-and-the-reunification-of-ireland.html

DOI: 10.69099/RCBI-2024-2-02-QVZ

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