Speaking ahead of the elections in the Irish Republic on Saturday, McDonald said: "With the support of the people, we could be on the cusp of a historic election that ends the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael grip on power that has lasted almost a century. I have said throughout this election campaign that the best outcome is a government without Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, but that the worst outcome is one with both of them in it."

McDonald added: "I’m asking people to come out in their hundreds of thousands on Saturday and to vote for change and to transfer for change. With your support we could be on the cusp of a historic election that ends the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael grip on power that has lasted almost a century."

In government, said McDonald, Sinn Féin will:

Reduce rents and freeze them.

Guarantee your right to a pension at 65.

Deliver the biggest public housing programme in the history of the State.

Open hospital beds and recruit staff.

Abolish the USC on the first €30,000 of your income.

End the insurance rip off.

Support carers and people with disabilities

Plan for a referendum on Irish Unity.