For the first time in modern Irish history, Fianna Fáil’s (FF) campaign for a 26-county general election was launched at Stormont (Well, in the Stormont Hotel, actually).

In addressing the Alliance Party conference there last week, Tánaiste Micheál Martin did not mention Sinn Féin (SF), but he effectively challenged their claim to be the sole owners of a united Ireland.

Having failed to gain a northern foothold through an attempted partnership with the SDLP, FF has now sided strongly with Alliance in challenging some of Stormont’s in-built sectarianism. That same sectarianism brought SF to power and it will now use that power in the 26-county election by parading its new first minister in every constituency.

Having been denied the opportunity to criticise SF’s performance in Stormont for five of the past seven years, FF is now stepping directly into the northern political arena with cash, clichés and a condemnation of sectarianism.

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Welcome to the first all-Ireland election campaign since 1918.

• Northern Ireland Former Fianna Fáil adviser calls Micheál Martin’s Alliance conference........
  

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