![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/2.49836217.jpg\")
Fine Gael has continued to rule out working with Sinn F\u00e9in in a coalition ahead of the General Election.<\/p>\nFine Gael has continued to rule out working with Sinn F\u00e9in in a coalition ahead of the General Election.<\/p>\n
The party said long-held differences with Mary Lou McDonald\u2019s party prevents it from relying on support in any coalition government.<\/p>\n
Leo Varadkar\u2019s party has shown consistently in polls to be falling behind Fianna F\u00e1il, and within the margin of error to be neck-and-neck with Sinn F\u00e9in.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Sunday while canvassing, it was put to Mr Varadkar that his position on Sinn F\u00e9in was hypocritical, as he had long criticized the party for not restoring power-sharing in Stormont sooner, and urged them back into government repeatedly in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar said that \u201cthe north is different\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cNorthern Ireland is a devolved government, it\u2019s not a sovereign state, and in Northern Ireland the Good Friday Agreement provided for what is effectively an all-party coalition,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think people comparing Stormont with a sovereign parliament like the D\u00e1il is an accurate comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reason we have ruled out working with Sinn F\u00e9in is a point of principle,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cKey policy decisions made by Sinn F\u00e9in are taken not by elected representatives but an Ard Comh\u00e1irle, and we just don\u2019t think that\u2019s proper in a democratic society, and we also have a big problem with their stance on the Special Criminal Court (which Sinn F\u00e9in have previously opposed but now say needs reform).\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Fianna F\u00e1il and Fine Gael have ruled out working with Sinn F\u00e9in, however current numbers in polling show neither could form a government alone, and even with the backing of preferred partners The Green Party and Labour, could still come up short.<\/p>\n
Fine Gael has indicated it would be willing to work with Fianna F\u00e1il \u2013 however, leader Micheal Martin has ruled out any such pact, noting that Mr Varadkar and his colleagues have maligned his party both before and during the campaign, and he has no interest in forming a government with them post February 8.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in leader Mary Lou McDonald said the two man parties \u201cdon\u2019t want a republican about the place\u201d, because it would challenge the status quo.<\/p>\n