This article appeared in the Mayo News on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

One of the first headlines in the Irish Times in local election aftermath screamed: “Analysis: Coalition Parties surpass expectations as Sinn Féin’s slump becomes the story of the weekend”. The article, by Pat Leahy, proceeded – unsurprisingly – to revel with glee amidst the debris of Sinn Féin’s collapse.

But what’s the real story here?