Elaine Loughlin: Without a direct road map, voters found it difficult to back Sinn Féin's unclear alternative

For voters, change was never an option because Sinn Féin failed to lay out a pathway to that change.

In reality, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael put forward a post-election scenario where the numbers added up, unlike Mary Lou McDonald — who offered a vague promise without any of the logistics to deliver on the pledge.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Take us with you this summer

Annual €130 €65

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

Subscribe

Introductory offer. Annual billed once for first year. Monthly (discount first 3 months) billed monthly, then €12 / month. Ts&Cs apply.