Although it is worth remembering too that none of the mainstream parties in Dublin would be likely to enter coalition talks with Sinn Fein until the IRA decommissions its weapons - a strange reflection of the problem the party faces North of the Irish border.
From the outside, the community seems to be a meaningless group comprised of strangers who paint their faces, dress in festive colorful outfits, and participate in strange, boisterous rites often accompanied by alcohol, gluttonous food combinations, angry rages, and meaningless chatter.