Soon after the ballot boxes were opened yesterday morning a Sinn Féin lifer knew the plates were shifting.  He pulled me aside at the entrance to the Titanic Count Centre in Belfast. “It’s the ‘huggy ár lá’ election,” said he, smiling. “But don’t quote me” he quickly added. Inside, Ciarán Quinn had the look of someone whose day had arrived. A native of Belfast, more than a decade ago he was a significant back-room worker in the early days of the Sinn Féin-DUP Stormont partnership. He moved south as the party’s Dáil presence increased. In more recent times he has…

Join The Currency

INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Full annual membership for just €200.

Don’t miss out on what is going on with our daily unique stories from our team of skilled journalists and insightful commentators.

Members of The Currency get full access to over 4,000 exclusive interviews, investigations, and analysis, plus over 460 podcasts.

Annual membership is just €200 for the first year, a saving of €100.

Or try The Currency for the first month for a special introductory rate of €5, a saving of €20.

Cancel at any time.

To become a member today click here.