Northern Ireland Voters Give Sinn Fein Its Biggest Win Everbr By SINEAD O’SHEAMARCH 4, 2017br In the closest election results ever in Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein, the main Catholic nationalist party, won only onebr seat fewer than the Democratic Unionist party, throwing nearly two decades of peaceful power sharing into turmoil.br DUBLIN — Sinn Fein, the main Catholic nationalist party in Northern Ireland, won its greatest number of legislative seats ever after a snap election this weekend, creating a virtual tie with its Protestant rivalsbr and throwing nearly two decades of peaceful power sharing into turmoil.br arty on Saturday said that "she will be remaining as the leader." If the two leading parties do not reach agreement within the three-week time frame imposed by the British-appointed secretary of state for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, the government must either call another election or reimpose direct rule.br that The Democratic Unionist Party leader, Arlene Foster, is now under pressure to step down, but a statement from the pbr The Democratic Unionist Party is allied with Britain’s Conservative Party, which is pursuing Brexit, whilebr Sinn Fein wants Northern Ireland to stay in the European Union and eventually merge with Ireland.br Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein’s new leader, called the outcome "a great day for equality"br and said she wanted negotiations to begin "as soon as possible." In addition to concerns over Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, known as Brexit — which a majority of voters in Northern Ireland did not support — many residents were angry about a botched incentive plan for green energy that was put in place by the unionists.br Its rival, the Democratic Unionist Party, made up of Protestants who support remaining a part of Britainbr and which previously held a majority, lost 10 seats and were left with 28.