Rushing into coalition government could backfire on Sinn Féin, party president Mr Gerry Adams said today.
Mr Adams said aligning with other parties, either in opposition or government, would be a mistake unless the peace process and radical social reforms were a priority.
Gerry Adams (right) with Mary Lou MacDonald and Martin McGuinness at yesterday's European Election count for Dublin held in the RDS. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien
"It was always a mistake for parties like the Labour Party, which argue that they are radical and progressive, to be even contemplating going into coalition, " he said. "Instead of being the vanguard of Labour they become the mudguard.
"If we were going to contemplate involvement with any other party in opposition or government they would have to be good on the North," Mr Adams said.
Mr Adams added political partners would have to be focused on the national question and offer unequivocal support to the peace process.
He said the party would make decisions on coalition involvement "in the fullness of time" based on whether the party's mandate could be advanced.
The Sinn Féin president ruled out coalition unless other parties agreed to terms on the peace process and called on them to work to resolve the current impasse.
PA