Abstentionism

Abstentionism is the policy of seeking election to a body while refusing to take up the seats or even sitting in an alternative assembly.

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In the United Kingdom and Ireland this has been an oft used tactic of republicans and nationalists.

Related Topics:
United Kingdom - Ireland - Republicans - Nationalists

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In 1918 Sinn Féin MPs nominally elected to the Parliament of the United Kingdom refused to sit in that body and instead constituted themselves as Dáil Éireann and claimed to be the legitimate parliament of Ireland.

Related Topics:
1918 - Sinn Féin - MP - Parliament of the United Kingdom - Dáil Éireann - Parliament - Ireland

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In Northern Ireland nationalists generally refused to sit in the Stormont parliament. This policy was at first rejected by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), but it has been followed by that party on occasion since.

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland - Stormont - Social Democratic and Labour Party

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SDLP MPs do sit in the Westminster parliament, however, in contrast to Sinn Féin MPs who refuse to take the oath of allegiance.

Related Topics:
Westminster - Oath of allegiance

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Both Sinn Féin and the SDLP have taken their seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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