Sinn Fein and how do they form a government dilemma

And yet they still have never been in government in the Dáil. And don't be going on about the 1st iterations of the Dáil, that was a different SF. Lab and SD won't coalesce with SF, or FF. Until that changes, SF will be looking on from opposition.

They won't be going in as the whipping boys and girls. That couldn't be more clear,

The data above could not more starkly underline that by growing your powerbase you can affect fundamental change.

It's is a trite simplistic observation and basically stupid taunt to say 'looking on'.

Opposition should and does have a role and duty in governance.

I'm sorry but no, if wanting to deal with our immigration problem is far right then about half the country is far right, and again since when does being pro life make someone far right. I'm sick of people tarnishing decent people with these labels. To even cast someone like Tobin in the same way as Derek Bleigh is an insult.

I hear this often quoted:

 as I keep saying the majority of people voted for an alternative to the government.

But that is patently not true. Nobody in Kerry votes the Healy-Raes in as an alternative to the government. Nor the people of Tipperary vote in Michael Lowry (given especially he votes along FG lines anyway). Basically anyone voting for an independent is not voting for an alternative to the government as these are mostly pothole fixers.

There's certainly no Left majority in any case.

Both of those things (anti-immigration and pro-life) are right wing. Aontu and Indpedenent Ireland are clearly further right than FF or FG. They're also clearly not as far right as the likes of the National Party. There is a scale here.

Similar to how Labour and Soc Dems are left wing, but not as left as say PBP.

Yes they are further right but not far right, the people they got elected are decent respectable people who don't deserve the smear of far right. We all know when people say far right it's meant as an insult.

The people who vote SD/LP/GP are far more aligned to the people who vote FF/FG than to the people who vote SF. Look at transfer patterns for confirmation.

i.e. FF/FG/LP/SD/GP = 'Middle Ireland'

Any fantasy of a 'government of the left' that includes SF is just that, fantasy.

Richmond and FG are going to be in government.
SF will be warming the opposition benches for another 5 years.

Spot the difference.

Good God man, are you seriously suggesting placing any control on immigration is far right and anti freedom, then I'd say the majority in Ireland are far right by your logic. You know full well far right is a smear, we constantly hear about the dangers of the far right, to pretend otherwise is extremely dishonest. This is the problem with a certain section on the left, they think anyone on the right is automatically far right, the far right have almost zero support in Ireland, as evidence by their abysmal election results.

I think of all the parties that could do with stewing and developing a bit are the SD.

IMHO I think they have always come across as pragmatic and credible. It is why they have grown support. They were only founded in 2015 and have doubled their seats in the Dail over the last two elections.

If I was a SD I'd be taking a step back and to focus on growth. The SDs could be in serious contention to become the rock solid 4th party going forward. They are the offering of the left that is most palatable to FF/FG voters.

Richmond knew he'd be in government no matter how FG done. It's the FF way.
He could have been gloating last week never mind this one.

Provisional Sinn Fein,Liebour and the Social Democrats all claim to support the Nordic model. Yet they are against signal aspect small apartments. So they reject the housing that you get in Denmark,Sweden,Finland etc.

They lack credibility.