Sinn Fein achieves target of second seat as does the DUP

North Belfast: Sinn Féin achieved its objective of a second seat in North Belfast as the DUP doubled its representation

North Belfast: Sinn Féin achieved its objective of a second seat in North Belfast as the DUP doubled its representation. The smaller parties and independents lost out as the larger parties drew more support.

Mr Gerry Kelly of Sinn Féin was easily elected on the first count with 5,524 - well in excess of the 4,505 quota. His transfers helped elected running mate Ms Kathy Stanton on the second day of the count.

Mr Nigel Dodds, who took the Westminster seat off the Ulster Unionists in 2001, topped the poll with 9,276 first preferences. This helped elect Mr Nelson McCausland on the second count. Mr Fred Cobain, a Belfast councillor and member of the Policing Board, retained the sole UUP seat in the constituency.

Mr Alban Maginness, Belfast's first Catholic Lord Mayor, also held on to his seat for the SDLP. Mr Billy Hutchinson of the Progressive Unionist Party lost out as did Mr Fraser Agnew of the United Unionist Coalition. Mr Hutchinson secured 1,358 first preferences but failed to pick up sufficient transfers while Mr Agnew won just 802 first preferences.

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It was a disastrous showing for the other smaller parties and independents. Ms Margarita Hawkins won just 305 votes for the Alliance Party.