In 1981, a somber event unfolded on the fringes of Belfast that would capture global attention. Ten young men, all members of the Irish Republican Army, engaged in a hunger strike, ultimately sacrificing their lives to advocate for recognition as political prisoners. Their tragic deaths sent shockwaves around the world.

The Hunger Strikes of 1981 not only immortalized these men as martyrs but also marked the peak of a prolonged conflict in Ireland known as The Troubles—a euphemism for a tumultuous period that claimed 3,500 lives over three decades. This pivotal moment also thrust Sinn Féin, a previously little-known nationalist group, into the political spotlight.

Fast forward four decades, and Sinn Féin made a historic breakthrough by winning the popular vote in Ireland’s 2020 General Election, bringing them tantalizingly close to wielding power on both sides of the Irish border.

As the country stands on the threshold of yet another election, one might expect Sinn Féin to be at the zenith of their political influence. However, the party finds itself entangled in a web of chaos and disarray, casting a shadow over their prospects at the polls.

Four decades later, Sinn Féin made history when it won the popular vote in the Ireland’s 2020 General Election and came within touching distance of taking power on both sides of the Irish border.

Gerry Adams is the former president of Sinn Féin, elected in 1983 

When the IRA took their fight to the British mainland, bombs exploded in Brighton, Hyde Park, and Manchester, killing thousands of innocent civilians and… nearly, Margaret Thatcher.

Now, with the country on the eve of another election, Sinn Féin should be riding high in the polls. Instead, they are bogged down in chaos and disorder.

Criticised for failing to come up with a coherent policy on immigration, and dogged by allegations of sexual abuse and internal cover-ups. Their election prospects look dubious, at best.

Whatever you think of them, Sinn Féin remain one of the most consequential political movements in recent history, and, more so than any other political party, their political fortunes remain irrevocably shaped by their past.

To understand Sinn Féin, you have to go back to their roots.

In this limited series launching on November 22, political editor John Lee, who has been covering Sinn Féin for three decades, explores the history of the conflict that came to be known as the Troubles to understand where Sinn Féin came from, and where it might be going.

He has spoken to key players from both sides of the Irish border, including current and former politicians, peace activists, former Provisional IRA members and ordinary civilians.

And he has asked them all… who are Sinn Féin, really?

• Host: John Lee
• Producers: Artemis Irvine and Bella Soames
• Assistant Producer: Sally McLennan
• Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini
• Sound Design: John Scott
• Script Consultant: Liam Thompson

Search for ‘From Bomb to Ballot: The History of Sinn Féin’ wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes are out now.