Sinn Fein Manifesto Analysis
-50% on the left/right scale
Which suggests they are a moderately left leaning party
Healthcare: -60% (Moderate Left)
Corporation tax: 0% (Centrist)
Economic: -61% (Moderate Left)
Infrastructure: -40% (Moderate Left)
Social Issues: -25% (Centre Left)
Housing: -79% (Moderate Left)
Social Security: -13% (Centre Left)
Education: -53% (Moderately Left)
Devolution: N/A (Lack of data)
Misc: -38% (Moderate Left)
Manifesto breakdown
Overview
Sinn Fein (founded 1905/1970) are traditionally associated with being staunchly nationalist, however there is also an assumption that they are one of the most left leaning major parties in Northern Ireland. When looking at their 2020 manifesto (ROI election), we found that they can be more accurately described as centre-left. They generally took left leaning stances on most issues, coming out very left on government economic involvement, healthcare and housing. However this was balanced with some centre-right leaning policy approaches which created a moderate overall view of the party. Some of their centre right responses include increasing Gardia numbers, tax relief for farmers and encouragement of FDI (foreign direct investment). Generally these centre-right policy responses tend to be attempts to rationalise a generally left leaning outlook but even those left leaning policies are related to reform of the current system rather than wholesale departure from the status quo.
It should be noted that this manifesto was for the 2020 Irish election, and Sinn Fein may maintain that their approach to Northern Irish issues may differ slightly. However, they remain the same party.
Link to manifesto: https://www.sinnfein.ie/files/2020/SF_GE2020_Manifesto.pdf
Indepth analysis article coming soon