Prospect of Irish unification referendum remains remote despite Sinn Féin gains

Party's advances in Northern Ireland contrast with slump in Ireland, while new Labour government is keen to bury issue

Sinn Fein has completed a historic hat-trick for Irish nationalism by becoming Northern Ireland's biggest party in local government, the Stormont assembly and Westminster.

On 4 July it increased its majorities in several constituencies and whittled those of opponents, teeing up potential gains in the next general election. Meanwhile, the party's vice-president, Michelle O'Neill, has made history as the first nationalist first minister.