All of the above, and then you have the rest of the NI voters "represented" by the Shinners, who won't represent them in Westminster. They all deserve each other.
Were they to turn their back on those that elected them and overturn nearly 100 years policy, exactly what kind of representation do you reckon SF could get in a parliament of 650 with their 7 seats? In terms of Westminster SF would have the effective voting clout of one quarter of the (Irish) Labour Party in the current Dail (outside of the committees).
Such low effective representation by Irish based MPs in Westminster is why Abstentionism was mooted for Ireland in the first place. And why Scotland, Wales, and even NI went for devolution subsequently.
The English parliament is a behemoth that cares little for, and is generally affected less by, MPs from outside of England. Scotland was almost universally SNP last time out but could achieve hee haw for Scotland in Westminster.
To be fair Soundy before this election you could have argued what kind representation would the DUP have with only 10 seats out of 650, and now they are the kingmakers. It's no different than when a few independents held sway down here a while back. To justify SF's absenteeism on what difference could they make, (you should just stick to the historic reason otherwise you are looking silly) is pretty lame when politics is wont to throw up situations when they can make a difference.
DUP have always been pro-Tory CS, they'd never have backed The Labour Party even if their seats could have held the balance of power there.
How come May didn't go to the Lib Dems for support if she was so wedded to staying at No.10?
Sound_y, I get what you are saying about abstaining and no one should swear an oath to the Queen, seems a very out dated practice to me. What you think about GA taking his expenses and allowances? Should he not have abstained from taking the cash or is it just the oath and not the coin, their issue is with?
