Sinn Fein...

[swill453]

I would have thought the communist party (still) contest a few elections around the world.

Scott.

[PhaseThree]

....stand for General Elections in 2 countries (the UK and Eire / Ireland / the Island of Ireland or whatever it's called this week).

Are they the only political party to do this?

I could look this up, but this takes longer and I've still got 2 hours to kill before home time

Fianna Fáil (Ireland) and the SDLP (Northern Irland) have been going through a will-they/wont-they get together merger/link-up type thing for the last few years. I imagine this weeks results will give them the final shove they need to get it done.

[UncleEbenezer]

Heard some newly-elected Irish MP from a small party on t'wireless yesterday. I think he said his party does the same. They regard the island of Ireland as one country and want to be a party for their whole country.

If I were looking for similar cases around the world, maybe look to countries with separatist provinces, or with provinces that have strong affiliations with a neighbour. But I'm not going to speculate on examples.

Talking of Sinn Fein, I wonder if their recent success might influence the north against unification, by making NI moderates feel slightly threatened?