Stephen Collins: Sinn Féin appears to have lost direction
If party can do deal with DUP it can realistically aspire to be in government in Republic
Mary Lou McDonald: she will have to adopt a more subtle approach if she wants to fulfil her ambition of leading Sinn Féin into government in the Republic for the first time
Sinn Féin and its new leader Mary Lou McDonald face a defining moment in the latest round of talks between the Northern parties which began on Wednesday. If the party can work out a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) it can realistically aspire to be in government in the Republic at some stage, and possibly even after the next election.
If it is not able to find a way of compromising in the North it will be a clear signal that the party is not capable of government on either side of the Border.