What is sinn fein?
Sinn Féin is an Irish republican party that organises in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Its main aim is a united Ireland. It is left of centre on economic issues. Its MPs are elected to Westminster but do not take their seats, by long-standing policy.
Sinn Féin means 'we ourselves' in Irish. The party was founded in 1905 and has changed a lot since. During the Troubles it was closely linked to the IRA. It backed the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which set up power sharing in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin became the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, and it now holds the post of First Minister. It campaigns for a referendum, known as a border poll, on Irish unity. Its MPs refuse to swear an oath to the King, so they do not sit or vote in the Commons. Economically it backs public services, housing investment and taxes on high earners. It is also a major party in the Republic of Ireland.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In WeDecide's Northern Ireland moments, decisions on the border and Stormont test how you balance unionist and nationalist views.
Play WeDecide freeCommon questions
Why don't Sinn Féin MPs take their seats?
They refuse to swear allegiance to the King and do not recognise Westminster's authority over Northern Ireland.
What is a border poll?
A referendum on whether Northern Ireland should leave the UK and join a united Ireland.