Irish Republicans have more than tripled their representation in the south of Ireland's Parliament following a groundbreaking general election.
Sinn Féin, which for many years was seen as the political wing of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.), increased it's representation from four to thirteen seats. Recounts in two other areas could see it gain as many as 15 in the 166 seater southern Parliament. The party gained 10.05% of the vote with a number of first time candidates elected as well as well known veterans such as ex-I.R.A Hungerstriker Dessie Ellis (pictured).
Sinn Féin, which is the largest party in Northern Ireland, has until now failed to gain a significant foothold in the south. Support for the centrist government party Fianna Fáil almost completely collapsed with conservative Fine Gael becoming the largest party, although failing to gain an overall majority. They are expected to form a coalition government with the centre-Left Labour Party who also made significant gains. Smaller leftist parties and independents also increased their representation.
The results (so far with 13 seats still to be confirmed due to recounts) are:
Fine Gael - 70 seats
Labour Party - 36 seats
Fianna Fáil - 18 seats
Sinn Féin - 13 seats
Socialist Party - 2 seats
People Before Profit - 2 seats
Workers Action Group - 1 seat
Independnets - 11 seats
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