Part Two Election 2017: Northern Ireland

have a full negotiation mandate to speak for the entire country. David,

thank you very much. David Ford, joining me there. Joining me from

South Antrim. I promised you, Kluwer, but I would come back to

you. Brexit has slammed the constitutional question back into

our argument. Parties that say you can't have a view on that you are

sectarian, these are no issues we are dealing with, but what I hear in

the conversation is not any meeting of minds, it is dominance, division,

and nothing about the practicalities, and the

practicalities of how a united Ireland would look. The work hasn't

been done on that, but it is also distracting from the practicalities

of how we work this place in the here now. If the tallies are bearing

out like this, the seat tally would show the is only those two hardened

views, but it shows this -- unsuitability of first past the

post. That is what is sad, the

conversations do not get into the practicalities.

Nations in the next ten minutes in Bangor. We'll keep an eye on that.

Good evening, thank you for joining us. What are you hearing? Strong

suggestions Doug Beattie were not managed to win the seat. David

Simpson. Is that what you are picking up? The tallies need to be

looked at. The tallies are going to computer programmes, to see what the

electorate have decided. We will have a clue in the next few hours as

one who will be the next MP. What about your vote? We will have to

wait until the final tallies come in. Adding our vote held up. The

response around the area has been quite good. The tallies I have seen

marks that. I can understand everyone wants news from the

centres, but sometimes hard to tell you what the electorate as you say.

What about South Down, never the constituencies too began to where

you want. A tight race between Margaret Ritchie, and your party. Do

you think Mr Hazard can do it? I think he's in with a great call. A

lot of buzz around the South Down count. I hear it will be tight.

Coming down to a few hundred votes. A Latin interest, and a lot of

interesting counts. It would take perhaps 24, 36 hours to absorb the

message that the public as sent out, and what we have to go forward to.

Starting the negotiations and the talks to restore the power-sharing

executive. Thank you for now. We will catch up with you later some of

the numbers begin to firm up. John O Dowd, the Sinn Fein

candidate in Upper Bann. Let's hear from Mark Davenport and Nicholas in

our elections up. No results yet. We're getting official turnout

figures. The picture, Nicholas, seems to be up everywhere in

relation to 2015 elections. It is up from 2015, 2010, 2005. The highest

turnout since 2001 in a Westminster election. Even in seats that are

considered safe, people would turn out big numbers, Belfast West, 65.4

one. Almost ten points on the last time. The most striking one is North

Down. Except the assembly election in March. In every case we have

looked out the turnout and a Westminster election has been the

same as the assembly election. We had the leader debates, they've had

low viewing figures. We have the teeming rain. We could come up with

reasons for a diminished turnout. Instead the same again as March? All

I can say is that is what I predicted before ten o'clock this

evening. What is driving that? A step change to the way people are

viewing politics. The new voters have got the taste for it. They are

voting against them devoting the same way that they voted in March.

We were hearing a short time ago, quite significant in South Antrim,

his own constituency, predicting a DUP win. He is, like yourself, not

wishing to be too personal, and election nerd. We have discussions

from time to time in a friendly basis, perfectly true. If this is

what David is getting from his tallies. That is probably correct.

Also in line with the assembly election outcome. The DUP

potentially gaining, the Ulster Unionist Party at that time down in

South Tyrone. Although early days. In time before we get that one

through. We expect it to be the very last one. Even now, pretty clear it

will be a very tough night for the Ulster Unionist Party I noticed

sources from one of our reporters saying will be a long night in east

Belfast. I was sceptical, given the fact the Ulster Unionist Party not

stand last time. Some of their votes will have gone to Naomi Long. Both

sides had to keep their coalition voters together. Easier when you are

the incumbent. Overall potentially a good night for the two big parties.

The voters coming out like back in March. Thank you, Mark. Back to my

panel which has been refreshed. We have an empty seat. All seats,

invitations have been extended. You know how it works. Not up to us who

people send. Very nice to have you back again. I don't know if anything

has struck you while you have been away? Have you been chatting? I wish

I could hear more about the election in Britain. You have not heard much.

I can give you a scoreboard. What I can tell you, at the moment Labour

had ten the Conservatives fives, and that is it. Also my computer here

and the bottom of the screen first Darlington? Hartlepool? Darlington

has gone to labour about ten minutes ago. Sam Shields to labour.

Workington to labour. Basildon and Billericay to the Conservatives.

Middlesbrough Labour. A couple for the Conservatives. Broxbourne,

Nuneaton Kettering. A hard-fought lady Sylvia Hermon. Life pictures.

That is Alex Easton, the DUP candidate. Giving her an embrace.

Looks like a conciliatory hard from somebody. That is good and done, the

DUP MLA. The cancers have just been told the ropes -- the counters have

told them the votes. They have been told. That is Alan Chambers, the

Ulster Unionist Party melee. He was to be the candidate. That is her

son. The young chap with the beard. Andrew Muir of the Alliance party.

With the short grey hair. Looking at some paperwork is grey hair. The

surprise may well be, I am mindful of the official secrets act,

declaring before the presiding officer, we should be looking out

for a sizeable reduction in the majority. That ties in with what I

said earlier. I worked in North Down for some time, I know that

constituency. The aim was to try and close some ground on Sylvia Hermon.

She had a majority of close to 9000. If Alex has close that to any

significant degree, it is reflective of the fact, that he works very hard

on the ground. I also think it is an encouraging sign for Alex in the

future. In terms of the North Down constituency. I don't think that was

truthfully and expectation we would unseat Sylvia Hermon. The majority

was around 9000. A majority of 9000 over Alex Easton. If that has been

reduced significantly, that is a good sign for future growth for the

DUP. As you said earlier the programme, you would never catch. I

could not envisage a circumstance where she would lose that C. Looking

at Sir Jeffrey Donaldson with some of his party colleagues. We gather

the declaration could be made there soon. We will bring you the

declarations as they happen. With any luck they will not all happened

at the same time of course. If they do, we will just bring it to you as

soon as we can after. North Down coming through. Talk to me, while we

look at the pictures. This is North Down. Let's listen. 14,000 940.

Sylvia Hermon, Independent. 16100 and 48. Tres McCourty. Sinn Fein,

531. Stephen McNeil, SDLP, 400. Andrew Muir, Alliance party, 3000

6049. Frank Shivers Conservatives, 941.

The votes polled were 39,000 268. Valid votes worth 31985. I declare

Sylvia Hermon is declared for parliament from the South Down

constituency. There you are, Sylvia Hermon home and dry with a massively

reduced majority. A reduction from 9000, down to about 1200. Thank you

very much, especially to the people of North Down. Those, who despite

the appalling weather, came out and voted, and voted in large numbers. I

am enormously grateful, does not matter who you voted for, the fact

he did not let the weather puts you off holding out, and exercising your

franchise. Well done to all of you. To the DUP candidate, Alex Easton,

you have done terrifically well, but I won! I am enormously lucky in

North Down, with the candidates who run against me. They are a really

nice set of people. Very difficulty for lack of any of them. I will not

be falling out with Alex. To the Ulster Unionist Party, Alan

Chambers, graciously pulled out of the race. Thank you indeed Allen.

When I declared as a candidate, the Ulster Unionist Party pulled that.

Thank you for being so gracious. Thank you. Some of the other

candidates, I did not actually meet along the way, but I believe them to

be really nice candidates as well. It has been a long day for those

staff in the polling stations, 22 polling stations across North Down.

They were very welcoming, very helpful to all the voters who came.

That is the line of the night so far. To Alex Easton of the DUP, you

have done terrifically well, but I won! She won, but what a reduction

in the majority. 9000, and a couple of hundred, down to 1200. She

thanked Alan Chambers, for kindly stepping aside. The reality is, had

Alan Chambers not stepped aside, she could have potentially lost the

seat. Alan Chambers definitely merited the little round of applause

from Lady Hermon. At the end of the day, we did not anticipate we would

unseat her. Do you take back the earlier assertion you will not

capture? It is hers as long as she wants it. You are smiling, if there

is a snap election within a year, you would fancy your chances. I

certainly think the result is beyond the expectations I would have had.

Everyone had just assumed that she was as solid as a rock. It is very

clear, through sheer hard graft, and I know Alex very well, I know that

constituency quite well, through hard graft, he has managed to close

a gap of 9000 votes into a gap of 1200. That must be a very positive

sign for the future, in terms of Alex Easton, and that constituency.

Stephen, what do you read into that? Are you surprised by those numbers?

It reflects to meet a higher turnout. We are seeing a

mobilisation of Unionist votes as a result of what happened in March. It

also may well be an issue in terms of Brexit, North Down is still a

remain constituency but there is still a sizeable leave vote. Sylvia

had to come out in terms of being a remain. I want you to comment on

these figures, and I can give you the share. Sylvia had 16,148, a

share of 41.2%. Alex Easton had 14,940, a share of 39.1%. Steven

Agnew, 2549, with 6.5%. But her majority reduced to 1200. You have

to wonder if the endorsement of the loyalist can and it is conglomerate

might have played a part. I don't doubt Alex Easton work enormously

hard, and that Sylvia Hermon has had a charmed life and it couldn't go on

forever. She would be very wise now I would have thought to decide to

retire fairly soon. Especially if there is another election on the

horizon. She is indubitably a very nice person, and her accolades from

everybody else's niceness is a measure of that. That is not

necessarily a bad thing in politics. No, but it has its limits. And I

think this may have reached them. You really think so? I would think

that is the kind of trajectory that doesn't turn around. She has been a

very, very good MP, I know this from people in the constituency. She is

inexhaustible in attending to all kinds of functions and she knows

people inside out. But if there is a stronger, harsher strain of unionism

on the rounds, as there is, to match the harsher, as Christopher has been

saying, Sinn Fein town, then these are harsh -- these are harsh

parties. They are no representing two communities who see each other

in strong contention, and Brexit has sharpened that up. There is not much

room in that for somebody who is nice and independent. We saw there's

a Jeffrey Donaldson who seemed to be getting patted on the back and

embraced by people who would suggest that he had won the seat, but

perhaps the candidates were being given the numbers there before the

declaration is made. I want to bring Danny in. A prudent decision, would

you say, on the part of your candidate, to withdraw? I think in

the circumstances. Did you think it would be that tight? I didn't, but I

think the increased turnout is significant. North Down has a

percentage increase which seems to have favoured the DUP. As in other

constituencies. As to Sylvia's quip in her speech about ice cold in

Alex. The sort of analysis -- the idea that North Down is somewhere

where there is a more strident form of unionism... Let me finish. You

had your space. Contesting against nationalism. There is no nationalism

in North Down, virtually none. So the idea this is some sort of rise

of a form of unionism... I just think, give the man the credit he is

due. Stephen shares the constituency with him, he knows the man. The man

got the result on the bark of the fact that in the course of the last

12 years he has established a good reputation for just working for his

constituents. A similar reputation to the one lady Hermon has. But when

you go into a polling station and cast your ballot, you cast it for

the individual, and you cast it for the complexion of party that you

wish to represent you, so there will be people, yes, Alex Easton's a hard

worker, but he represents a more traditional kind of unionism to

Sylvia's. The nature of North Down is one where independent candidates

have also got -- always done very well, and personality is a much

bigger factor than almost anywhere else. Danny, do you think that Ian

Adamson, the former Ulster Unionist, signed Alex Easton's nomination

papers, might have helped him do so well, the fact that somebody within

the UUP is gravitating towards the DUP candidate? I'm not sure it

amounts to a very significant intervention. I also have -- would

challenge the assertion that because Sylvia's majority is now reduced to

about 1300 or wherever, that she should think of retirement. I think

the context of this election, on the back of the Assembly election, with

increased turnout, has led to a better result for the DUP, than

might have been normally expected particularly in North Down. I want

to go over to Tara as the Titanic exhibition centre. She is joined by

the former DUP leader and First Minister, Peter Robinson.

Peter Robinson is here, thanks for joining us. What are your

predictions for how things are going to go for the DUP tonight? I'm not

going to get any precise predictions, but I think I've seen

enough in the centre here to be able to indicate that the DUP's share of

the vote is increasing, certainly in South Belfast. We've had a good

election, the sounds coming from my colleagues in East Belfast are good

as well, and there are good noises coming from other parts of the

country. So I think you will see a very strong DUP team return to

Westminster. In terms of the exit poll, what position do you think the

DUP will be in potentially a hung parliament? Winger I think they will

have a strong team at Westminster, they will use their position in that

parliament to the best effect for Northern Ireland and for the union,

and they have some experience, and I am looking forward to Nigel being

returned and leading that team there.

But there is no sense you all soft and the Brexit position, you are

happy with the Tories' hardbacks of? The DUP position has consistent --

consistently been that we want the best deal for Northern Ireland. Why

wouldn't we want that. If we have some added advantages for Northern

Ireland business, why would we not try and get it? So with Brussels,

London and Dublin wanting to help Northern Ireland, were pushing at an

open door. Is there not a kind of contradiction in that you have been

fighting for no special status? We will have an enhanced position, I

don't like the terms special status because it separates us from the

rest of the UK. Northern Ireland has particular issues, it has a large --

land border with a part of the EU, so there are special circumstances

that have to be dealt with. When it comes to the selection then, what

did you make of the UDA statements? We are encouraged when people say

they endorse that -- our candidates. I just can't understand the media.

We have been plagued for years by the media saying, we haven't been

paying enough attention to loyalist, hard to reach areas. We should be

encouraged by the fact that there are people who are wanting to make

that transition away from paramilitary backgrounds into normal

society. Of course we don't want anything to do with people who are

killing, who are involved in criminality. But those who are

wanting to move towards a stable Northern Ireland, and play a proper

role in the new era accommodation be encouraged. That has been the policy

not just of the DUP but of other political parties. Until it came to

the selection when they thought they could use it to harm the DUP. It

hasn't worked. Peter Robinson, thank you for joining us.

Interesting to hear from Peter Robinson, thank you for staying with

us. The time is 25 minutes past one. We are waiting for declarations from

Strangford, and this is Lagan Valley.

He was up at the microphone, and has disappeared again. So it is imminent

in Lagan Valley and in Strangford. We have been looking at pictures of

candidates, and their supporters... This is Bangor. This is the

Strangford declaration. The votes were 30,700 49. 38749. The

invalid votes for 77. -- they were 77. As deputy returning officer for

the Strangford constituency, I hereby declare that at the election,

the number of votes was as follows. Kellie Armstrong, Alliance. 5693.

Ricky Bamford, Green Party. 607. Joe Boyle, SDLP. 2404. Claire Hiscott,

Conservatives. 507. Carole Murphy, Sinn Fein. 1083. Mike Nesbitt,

Ulster Unionist Party. For 419. -- 4000 419. Jim Shannon, Democratic

Unionist party. 24036. I declare that Jim Shannon is

returned to serve in Parliament for the Strangford constituency. Thank

you. No wonder we saw pictures of Jim

Shannon smiling, his vote, just to let you know, in 2015, was 15,000,

he is now 20 4000. A majority up by 9000. It's always a privilege to

fight elections, but also a privilege to be chosen by the people

that you run for, and Strangford for me is a constituency where I've been

a representative for 30 plus years. To all those good people of

Strangford, all the people, thank you for voting for me and giving me

the opportunity to be their MP again. I also want to thank again,

everybody will know I am of strong Christian belief, I thank my Lord

and saviour for the victory. As they say "You are my elect, and I have

chosen you." I thank my long-suffering wife, we had our 30th

anniversary on the 6th of June, I haven't forgotten about it...

Jim Shannon making his acceptance speech. A moment ago, the result was

declared for Lagan Valley. Lesley White, as the deputy

returning officer, for the Lagan Valley constituency, I hereby

declare that at the election, the number of votes for each candidate

was as follows: Robbie Butler, Unionist -- Ulster Unionist.

7533. Pat Catney, SDLP. 3384. Jeffrey Donaldson, Democratic

Unionist party. 26762. Aaron McIntyre, Alliance.

4996. Ian Nickels, Conservatives. 462. Jonny Orr, Independent. Two to

two. -- to those -- 200 22. Jacqui Russell, Sinn Fein. 1567. I declare

that Jeffrey Donaldson is returned to serve in parliament for the Lagan

Valley constituency. Jeffrey Donaldson, very comfortably

returned as the MP for Lagan Valley. Here's those going up from 19,000

and 55 two years ago. Let's hear what he had to save his acceptance

speech. Deputy returning officer, staff of the electoral office,

fellow candidates in this constituency, could I first thank

the deputy returning officer, and Mrs Morgan, a la local area officer

for all the hard work they have done, in conducting the election

here, and the excellent away they convective account here to do. Thank

you for that work, and for all that you do all year round. Could I also

thank my election agent? And team DUP in Lagan Valley for the

excellent work they have put in. Believe me every one of those 26,700

votes was fought for, argued for, debated for, and won either team.

Did I thank my daughters, Claire and Laura. And my wife. For all the

sacrifices they have made in the past 20 years, while I have served

the wonderful constituency of Lagan Valley, in the House of Commons. And

I do count it a great honour to be returned as the member of Parliament

for Lagan Valley. To be returned with my largest ever vote, and my

largest ever majority. As a Democratic Unionist member of

Parliament, for me it is a humbling experience. And I give the credit

fully to the people who have elected me, and I commit to work on behalf

of everyone in my constituency all of the people who live there as a

member of Parliament. Jeffrey Donaldson making his acceptance

speech. Lagan Valley. His majority has gone up 7767. Almost 12%. His

share of the vote almost 60%. 59.6% in fact. Let's hear from Ian

Paisley, joining me from his camp centre in Ballymena. North Antrim

candidate for the DUP. Good morning to you. 134 in the morning. Feeling

confident? Can I say, as we look at the results coming in, all across

Ulster this evening, Unionism has awakened, they have awakened

themselves to a positive message. We want devolution, not going to be on

your terms or my terms, it will be on our terms. That means hours

together. We want to make sure that Brexit is properly introduced. We

will be very effective and indeed possibly only sell those in

Parliament from Northern Ireland on Brexit. We would make sure they get

the best deal for all the people of Northern Ireland. I think the

resounding victory is we are seeing all across Ulster this evening, from

unionist constituencies, and the Democratic Unionist Party in

particular it shows that the people have swung behind the Democratic

Unionist Party. I'm very humbled by that, very impressed by that. Sends

a very strong and positive message to Unionists, we have got our act

together. Now let's get something out of this. Could you put the

numbers in on the situation in North Antrim? Jim Shannon's majority has

gone up 9000. Jeffrey Donaldson up 8000 in Lagan Valley. Alex Easton

closing Sylvia Hermon's majority from 9000, two 1200. You would need

to stick five, $6,000 to keep up with the of them. If the gauntlet

thrown down, I will have to wait for the returning officer to make the

declaration. It would be wrong for me to lick any figures for the BBC

live on air. As you can see, they are counting on the votes of the

present time and I am prepared for them to do as long as they need. If

the people speak with a clear voice, I'm content to wait. What does this

mean for the leadership? The fact they are still counting my vote says

something. A point well made. You will not make any predictions? Not

any predictions at this stage. I think if anyone says he speaks for

North Antrim, it is pretty clear who is speaking for North Antrim for the

next five years as in the British Parliament. What does this do, to

pick up on the point about devolution. You want to see

government restored, not in anyone else's terms, on your terms has to

be done in a way not everybody's happy. As far as Arlene Foster is

concerned, the figures return across the board as far as the DUP is

concerned, if you pick up another seat or two, is she absolutely safe

in her position as leader of the DUP? I think all the party leaders

across the United Kingdom tonight, Arlene Foster can be the one who is

the happiest, given that her party is performing so well. Not only

increasing the share of the vote, in safe seats, and in a dramatic way in

many instances. Eating into other Unionists' seats. I predict will do

very well another catchy Antrim seat. Ian Paisley, thanks very much

indeed. Arlene Foster is in Newton Ali at the Valley Leisure Centre at

the camps taking place there. She has been listening to that list of

good evening, thank you very much for joining us. Just a quick word

about what you are picking up about the count taking place behind you.

Can you shed any light on how things are going? Well, it has been a

really good night, not just for the DUP, but Unionism in general. That

will be the case in East Antrim, and South Antrim. That is of course a

very positive thing. We thought the campaign positively, on the value of

the union. People responded to that positive case for the union, we will

see that in East Antrim and South Antrim. Can I say how proud I am of

Alex Easton for the way he fought the baton chilly battle in North

Down, very nearly taking the seat. Very proud of Alex, he should be

proud of himself. What do you put this down to? Not the easiest

campaign probably be DUP has ever fought. All kinds of issues,

questions about your leadership. People predicting you may not have a

good day at the office. It looks, and that is at an early stage, you

have made the qualification yourself, at an early stage in

proceedings, if you do as well as the early numbers are suggesting,

why has that happened? Think it has happened because Unionists were

alarmed at the assembly election result. It was a real wake-up call

for Unionists. They wanted to come out and save the union was very

important to them. They have done that by voting for the Democratic

Unionist Party right across Northern Ireland. You can see that with the

victory is a Jim Shannon Jeffrey Donaldson. That will be replicated

in other seats. People responded positively to the campaign, I'm very

pleased about that. What do you do about that? If you pick up seats in

Westminster, that is part of a wider discussion. We will come onto that

in a second or two. What does this result mean in terms of is happening

or not happening in Northern Ireland as far as Stormont is concerned?

Does is increase your mandate to go into those discussions next week?

Well, we said this election was about three issues. About support

for the union, making sure Northern Ireland have a strong team of MPs to

speak up for Northern Ireland in Westminster, and I think we will see

the strong team going back. Also about strengthening my hand to give

active negotiations around the restoration of devolution. Obviously

we want to see devolution back as soon as possible. We made that

clear. They should not fallen in the first place. We believe Northern

Ireland need to have a strong voice and get the best deal in the

European Union except negotiations. Those three elements were the core

elements now standing strong manifesto of the standing strong for

Northern Ireland on those three key issues. Do you go back in keen to

compromise with Sinn Fein? Likely to be the biggest party on the

Nationalists side of the fence. If you are going to do some sort of

deal, you will have to compromise, Sinn Fein will have to compromise.

Do you go in there thinking maybe we got the latest vote after the

loyalist communities Council, my hands are tied, and I cannot be as

flexible as I might otherwise have wanted to be? Well, I think we are

jumping well ahead of ourselves. What we need to do tonight is to see

where the lie of the land is in respect of our national parliament.

If we are, we have to have serious discussions amongst ourselves about

how to move forward. We should not jump ahead of ourselves, we should

wait and see what the actual picture is tomorrow morning, in respect of

our national parliament, and what part we are going to play. For me,

this election has been a real endorsement of Northern Ireland's

place in the union, wanting to make sure we have a strong team speaking

up for Northern Ireland within Westminster. That is what we are

going to see tonight. Briefly, looks like you may have had a good day at

the office. What do you think about Theresa May, who it seems may have a

pretty bad that the office? As I said, we don't know what the actual

results are going to prove, in respect of Theresa May, wrong to

judge what is going to happen until all the results come back in. You

asked me and interview not very long ago about my leadership, that

everything that happened over the past six months, I said it was all

about events. We had to move on, here in Northern Ireland, with what

has happened as a result of this election, and make sure we use that

to get a strong voice in Westminster for the Northern Ireland people.

That is what I'm focused on, and I hope everyone else will focus on. I

remember the exchange very well. We believe that there. Thank you for

joining us. The DUP leader Arlene Foster, from the Valley Leisure

Centre just outside North Belfast. We're looking at pictures, or about

to look at them of Nigel Dodds, the DUP's candidate for North Belfast.

Lost in the melee. He will be hoping, his wife Diane Dodds, MEP

for the party, the IP has as good a result of some of his colleagues

have had elsewhere. Can see the media scrum. Talking to Gavin

Robinson from a third-party's candidate in east Belfast fighting

to hold his seat against in particular the Alliance party

leader, Naomi Long. I see my colleague, Tara Mills, at to talk to

them, I think. She was speak to them in a moment or two. Michelle

O'Neill, in Foyle a tight battle. Lisa McCallion looking very pleased,

not to sake static. This is the get any intelligence on what is

happening in Foyle we will bring it to you. Let's go to the Titanic

Exhibition Centre and join Tara. With me now Nigel Dodds and Gavin

Robinson. They from the DUP obviously. Nigel, Festival have do

you feel about the overall picture? Everybody from the DUP looks

confident tonight. Nigel -- Nigel Dodds, what do you

think? I think it is a significant picture emerging, we will have to

wait and see what the overall outcome's going to be. But I think

the Unionists in Northern Ireland have rallied to the call to protect

the union, the most important, that with the rest of the UK, and we are

looking forward to a very good night. Do you think the DUP learned

lessons from a negative campaign in the Assembly election? I think we

run a positive campaign, and it just turned out that it has been Sinn

Fein that stopped that get -- getting up and running. We fought a

positive campaign in terms of getting the big deal -- best deal

for Northern Ireland, reinforcing the union with the rest of the UK,

and getting the Assembly and Executive up and running. I think

people have responded to that positive message. How is it looking

in East Belfast for you? I am trying to see what is lying on the tables

stand her? We're getting some positive music, so I am not going to

call yet but we will see it soon enough. Nigel, are you confident you

will get through again and have a majority similar to the last one? We

always have a tight fight in North Belfast, in 2010 it was down to just

over 2000. Unionists have turned up in good numbers, and I think it is

important that in this next parliament we have a voice in

Parliament representing people rather than abstention is, I think

that is a very negative message to send across Westminster and the

wider electorate. Talk of a hung parliament at Westminster, the DUP

have been accused of playing up your importance in that situation in the

past, and in terms of holding up a Tory majority. Do you think this

time you will be in a better position? I am not going to talk it

up, if you put it like that, we will have to wait and see. In the past we

were very clear we would await the overall picture, and that is what we

will do in this case as well. But even a small

Conservative majority will still be Northern Ireland is very

significant. The Conservatives had a majority in the last Parliament, and

the DUP still had a significant role to play. So even with a small

majority, the DUP will be important. Could you get a seat in the Cabinet?

I am not looking for that. But I think the people of Northern Ireland

will have a strong voice at the table. But what are you going to do

with that voice? You don't want special status for Northern Ireland,

you are not in favour of a soft Brexit. What can you bring? It is

wrong to say we are not in favour of a soft Brexit. We want to see a

situation where the best deal is arranged for Northern Ireland. Of

course we don't want special status within the EU, it would create more

barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Why would

you exchange the situation we currently have to create barriers

with your most important market? Not even the Republic want to do that.

So we will go to Westminster, fight our corner, and I think we will have

a significant role to play. Nigel, Gavin, thanks very much indeed.

Mark, back to you. We saw pictures before we went over

to Tara there from foil, our colleagues up there. -- Foyle.

Elisha McCallion being embraced by Michelle O'Neill, there they are

again. That to me looks like a warm embrace, two ladies who are very

happy. What we are hearing is that there is a possibility that Mark

Durkan has lost the seat, certainly those pictures would suggest that is

the case. We are hearing it was very tight indeed, could have been less

than 200 votes, and we are also hearing the SDLP is asking for,

don't know if this is happening or not, but is asking for a recount.

That is now confirmed. My colleagues confirming that. A recount in Foyle,

we think it was under 200 votes, but it was in Sinn Fein's favour.

Dolores Kelly, SDLP MLA, has taken up a seat here. You haven't even

caught your breath, but can you shed any light on the situation? I

understand that it is very close, too tight to call, and I think most

people are wise to wait and see the final shakedown envelope -- of the

vote. I do think... But you don't disagree with anything I have said.

Can you shed any light on South and South Belfast? I understand it is a

similar situation, they are too tight to call. Peter Robinson saying

on the radio much the same as me, until the final count's delivered,

it is too tight to call in South Belfast. If your party lost those

three seats, and we are not saying that has happened, but that is a

possible outcome of tonight's events, how catastrophic would that

be for the SDLP, and for nationalism in Northern Ireland? Because if that

were to happen, there would be no Irish nationalist voice in

Westminster. It is something our party cautioned about as a possible

outcome unless the vote didn't turn out. We are very interested to see

how it is shaping up in Westminster. The Labour Party have done much

better, it could be -- much better than anticipated, it could be a hung

parliament. But you know, the greater catastrophe is for Northern

Ireland, and for society in general, where we have seen increasingly

polarised voting patterns and outcomes of elections over the last

number of months, almost 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement when

we should have been building the common ground and the centre ground,

and moving Northern Ireland forward for everyone, not just for a green

and orange headcount. Unfortunately it still seems to me that too many

of our elections are coming down to that very much green and orange

headcount. Thanks very much, we've got Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein's

leader at Stormont, who joins me now from the Foyle arena in Derry. We

saw you hugging Elisha McCallion, your candidate in Foyle. Can you

tell us the situation, we were hearing there is a recount. Yes,

there is a recount, obviously over 18,000 people in Foyle has selected

Elisha McCallion as their MP. She has fought a positive campaign, as

had -- as has all of our Sinn Fein candidates. There are 160 votes of

difference, so Mark Durkan has asked for that recount. But clearly the

people here want Elisha McCallion to represent them in the time ahead. We

are delighted, she is a first-class candidate, a woman who will work

hard for the people of Derry. As all accounts get underway, it is great

to be the first -- the first result that we returned a woman. Not

confirmed yet, and we have to give Mark Durkan his position, he has

been given a recount. So until we have confirmation that Elisha

McCallion has won the seat, we cannot say she has. The recount

could turn up a different set of figures. But she has obviously

performed extremely well, and it is busy very, tight. Over 80,000 people

have voted for Elisha McCallion, there will be a recount. -- 18,000.

I think what is clear is that the people of Foyle have chosen her, but

we will go through the next hour, hour and a half, Mark Durkan's

entitled to the recount. Sorry, I've got some interference. I could hear

a loud speaker, but we can manage if you can manage. I was talking to

Dolores Kelly, what about those two key battles between Sinn Fein and

the SDLP, South Down is one, and South Belfast is an interesting one,

we think that Mairtin O'Muilleoir is in play, the incumbent is Alistair

MacDonald. Have you any sense of how the candidates have done in those

two seats? It has been a positive outcome, are voters have voted for

the strong Sinn Fein team. It is close in South Down, I think you

will see a result very shortly. But certainly the people have supported

the Sinn Fein message, got on board with the campaign, they understood

and respected the fact that we needed to stand strong against

Brexit, that only Sinn Fein could take the fight to where it needs to

go, whether that be in London, Dublin, Brussels or Belfast. It is

early days, I look forward to the rest of the counts, but we are off

to a great start here in Foyle. Over 18,000 have voted for Elisha

McCallion. What is your understanding of what you will do

with his mandate? You are not going to take your seats, even though the

mathematics in Westminster might be very tired, and you could have an

opportunity to shape things over there in a way could have done in

the last parliament. That is absolutely your position, no debate

even internally about changing their position? None whatsoever, we fought

the election on that basis, people gave us a mandate on that basis. We

had consistently said this is about taking the fight to where it

matters, providing representation where it counts. Sinn Fein are the

only party that can provide that representation. Look how successful

we have been in terms of taking our fight to the European Parliament,

and the fight -- so Sinn Fein can make a difference, we have already

shown we can. But this election was also about people's writes, the

quality and integrity. Clearly the numbers of people that voted in the

Assembly election, they've come out and done so again. Shame -- so I

think what the people have said is that they want good Government,

people who will stand up for public services. They want people who have

integrity at their core, so we thank people once again for the man that

they have given us. We will make sure we go back into established a

power-sharing Executive, and that can be done easily if we have

implementation of previous agreements. What we are asking for

is very, very reasonable, we are not asking for anything new. We are

looking at pictures of Margaret Ritchie, the incumbent for South

Down, arriving at her account. -- her hand. Seems she is in a tight

fight. I have been speaking to Arlene Foster, she is cock-a-hoop.

You are cock-a-hoop at the way things are shaping up for Sinn Fein.

What are the two of you need to do over the next three weeks as far as

the talks are concerned? U-boat have had your hand strengthened, but you

don't seem to agree on much. What do you say to people watching tonight

who think this pushes agreement further away? Can you give them any

reason to believe that is not the case, and that she and you will be

able to compromise to sort things out? I told you on your programme

before that what we are asking for is very stable, and people what the

Executive to work. I want to lead my strong team into the Executive...

But you've still got those red lines she objects to. If those are

equality, respect and integrity, those are red lines. Whenever Martin

McGuinness resigned, he did that because of the RHI scandal. People

deserve answers on that, because that rocked public confidence in the

institutions. I want to work everyday to restore that, I want to

lead my team back into the Executive. Nobody worked harder than

Martin McGuinness to the institutions work. We believe that's

where we need to be. But we can do that easily because what we are

asking for is in fermentation of what has been previously agreed,

there is nothing new on the table. -- implementation. I will work with

the DUP, but also with the other parties because I want to get back

to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement, the principles of

power-sharing and equality and respect around that table is vital.

If we are going to have a sustainable Executive that serves

the people well. Get yourself a glass of water, you have been doing

a lot of talking. We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us at

this stage, it is exactly two o'clock. Only three seats declared,

good to speak to you, and maybe in an hour or two we will catch up

again. I will come to my panel shortly, but first let's hear more

from Tara at the Titanic exhibition centre.

With me is the Alliance leader Naomi Long. How is it looking for you? I

don't think it is good to be our night tonight, we reckon that our

vote has held up pretty well, certainly better than it was in

2010, we picked up a few thousand votes since the Assembly election.

So we are probably just shy of where we were in the last Westminster

election. But the Unionist vote has increased significantly and

completely consolidated, so I don't think it will be possible for us to

catch them. What do you think that is down to? It has been a divisive

election campaign, and I think people felt that the union was under

threat particularly after Sinn Fein came so close in the last Assembly

elections, and I think there has been an enhanced unionist turnout.

We have seen the impact in places like North Down, where Sylvia

Hermon's majority was hugely reduced, and also other

constituencies. We are pleased about is the Alliance

has consolidated its vote rather than being squashed. In a number of

constituencies we have improved our position significantly. Kellie

Armstrong overtaken the Ulster Unionist Party we have seen a

realignment of politics into two clocks. Sinn Fein versus the DUP.

That does not bode well for the talks in terms of re-establishing

the assembly. Very difficult to see how two parties emboldened by the

results this evening will be anymore considering three when it comes to

resolving the devolved institutions. The DUP, depending on the final

outcome in the UK, they may feel they may have influence with the

Conservatives if they are shy of an overall majority. If they are

therefore confidence and supply, they may see that as a better way to

influence politics than the devolved settlement at all. It leaves

Northern Ireland politics in a precarious situation. From our

perspective, very clear the only alternative holding ground in that

situation is the Alliance party. We need to get the message out. This is

seen to be going as they seem to be going for the Ulster Unionist Party

and the Alliance? The often unionists are fighting for their

seat in South Antrim. It will be incredibly close. If they lose both

of the Westminster seats, and take a hit across Belfast, that is

difficult for them as a party building to that point, to see that

for the weight rapidly. The SDLP have built a lot of standing and

credibility on the fact they had three MPs in Westminster who took

their seats. In many ways, nationalism in general, in Northern

Ireland will be left voiceless. There will be neighbour sensation if

we have only Sinn Fein MPs elected. It is a hugely difficult moment for

Northern Ireland politics, no question about that. We need to try

and find a way through to get devolution restored. If we are

relying on DUP Illonen to voice the wider concerns in Westminster, I

don't think he might be any choice people have in the situation where

decisions are taken. Devolution is critical to the vast majority of

people. I hope the two parties rather than feel emboldened, take

responsibility for the mandates, in terms of devolution, seeking to

restore it. It is too important to throw away. You will be there on the

talks on Monday? Will be there on the talks on Monday. Thank you very

much. We will speak to members are my panel in a moment. Before we do

that, let's hear from Mark Sampson, giving us an update of the overall

picture, as it stands. It is a busy half-hour. Let's take a look quite

literally the big picture. The new political map evolving in front of

our very eyes. More than 60 seats, 60 constituencies you can see. We

will come back to Northern Ireland in a moment. Let's look at a UK wide

situation. Labour are ahead at the moment. According to the exit poll,

the Tories will overtake them before the end of the night. Not enough for

an overall majority. Could be a hung parliament. Interesting the DUP are

featuring on the UK wide board. They could be big players. Kingmakers as

such if it is a hung parliament. What is that, about 70 out of 650,

not even at half-time. Lets go a bit closer to home. Let's look at the

Northern Ireland situation. The only thing we can say at the moment, the

East are way ahead of the West. Let's have a little look at the

scoreboard. Good night so far, but early days, but a good night so far

for the DUP. Let's take a closer look at one of those seats. North

Down. The outgoing MP Lady Sylvia Hermon is backing. A significantly

reduced majority. Two years ago Lady Sylvia Hermon majority of 9000 and

202. Now just over 1000. A good result for the DUP Runner Runner,

Alex Easton. Let's take a look at the other seats. His party

colleagues in Strangford, Jim Shannon. A thumping majority, nearly

20,000. That is the situation in two of the seats at the moment. Plenty

more to come, please don't go to sleep. Thank you very much indeed.

Good job. That gives you a very good update of the overall picture. There

may be some activity as far as the East Londonderry count is concerned.

Let's hear it. For 43. Liz Claire, Conservatives 330. I declare Gregory

Campbell is returned to serve in parliament for the East Londonderry

constituency. We did not catch the figures. 19700 and 23. Up by almost

6%. Let's hear what he had to say. Can I thank the deputy returning

officer, for the magnificent job she has done, both herself and her

staff, given that this was her first election in such a capacity. The

work was tremendous. The work done yesterday by all of the staff was

very good given the bad weather conditions mean George towards the

latter part of the day. Can I also thank my election agent? And my

election team. Each and every election in my team work for me. We

have an election team in East Londonderry like no other team in

any other constituency. In the last 12 months, we have knocked on their

first 12,000 doors in this constituency. The benefit is there

for all to see. In the past couple of years there have been those in

the nationalist and republican community who have singled me out

for attack. Forlan busting. For criticism beyond any fair and

equitable statement in politics. Gerry Adams two years ago, said we

had to break them, but we're not broken tonight, Gerry. There are

19,723 reasons. Why we are not broken tonight. At the start of this

campaign, at the closing nominations, Michelle O'Neill on the

television interview targeted me, and the next day on a radio

interview, Colum Eastwood targeted me. On each occasion I had no right

of reply. Tonight I need no right to reply. Because 19,000 723 people

have given the right of reply. Everyone else needs to make

progress. We have said repeatedly we're prepared to go into government

and build for the future for everyone in this country. This month

they must be the test of that progress. We have difficult, hard

decisions to make. We have issues we want to see resolved. We're not

prepared to hold the people of Northern to ransom, to get those

issues resolved. Sinn Fein have been. The question is on Monday, are

they prepared to move on, or prepare to continue to hold the communities

here to ransom? I hope we can all learn from the past and move on to a

brighter and better future. This party will rise to the challenge.

This party has had a magnificent result. A result beyond our wildest,

wildest expectations. This constituency, we went up from a

majority of around 6000, to almost 10,000. Unprecedented victory. The

largest majority we ever have was two years ago, we exceeded it again

tonight. Hopefully people will learn lessons from these results, and move

forward to a brighter, better future. For us all, for all of our

communities. Within the United Kingdom, building a better future

for everybody. Thank you. Gregory Campbell there. With his thoughts.

His majority up from 14 663, going up 5660. 5.8% increase. Dermot

Nicholl in second place, his vote up almost 7%. The SDLP down 1.5%, and

Richard Helms for the Ulster Unionist Party down 7.7%. Compared

to the last Westminster election in 2015. 100 seats filled, only four

them from Northern Ireland. In North Down Sylvia Hermon home with a

dramatically reduced majority. Cut from 9000, two years ago, two 1200

this time round. Now Alex Kane and it looks like Michelle O'Neill is

confident in other constituencies things looking tight for the SDLP.

We have two very strong parties, apparently doing very well. Where

does that leave us? We won't know for a while yet, whether the

nationalist vote has risen by anything like the amount the

unionist vote has risen, at least the vote for the DUP. Looks like a

very bad night for the SDLP. An awful night for the Ulster Unionist

Party where that leaves us, back to square one. With very little

prospect, I would imagine that a rapid restoration of Stormont. We

could be looking at a situation where we have the main 17 seats

divided between the DUP and Sinn Fein. We could have no

representation for the Ulster Unionist Party SDLP. Where that

leaves me unsighted, what that actually means in terms of

representation of nationalism. I have not heard for a long time and

nationalist yearning to be referenced in Westminster. Hefty cut

across you. Pictures of Arlene Foster arriving at the Titanic

Exhibition Centre. We spoke to her short time ago. Warmly embraced by

several candidates. There is a candidate for South Belfast.

By the sound of it that is where it is heading. Is her leadership

secure? I would imagine absolutely. If the vote have been down, she was

definitely on the way out, I would imagine. We were getting a sense

during the campaign of unhappiness inside the DUP, and Arlene being

kept off the scene. I imagine because they thought she would not

give them. It become apparent the party has done very well, very much

like if Jeremy Corbyn had not done well, but the party had done them,

if he had not been thought he'd done well, but the Labour voter,, the

party is bound to rally around Arlene, no matter how they thought

she handled things early on. Looking at those figures, hard to see any of

reading of the situation. Gregory Campbell, Jeffrey Donaldson, Jim

Shannon's majorities up pretty dramatically. Good performance from

Alex Easton in North Down. Alex, how do you read the situation we're in

at the moment? We were looking at the exit poll, seeing if it turns

out to be accurate in due course. Would you have predicted figures

like that, as far as the DUP's performance was concerned? And what

we are beginning I thought the DUP would hold at

least seven of those seats. But right the way through this campaign,

I've served on the back of what happened in the Assembly election,

that this was going to be all about numbers. It was going to be a battle

between and Sinn Fein. The SPL -- the SDLP look like they are going to

lose three seats, the UUP, huge collateral damage. Both parties will

need to pray there is not going to be an Assembly election in October.

But the problem is... The West Belfast declaration.

2860. Conor Campbell, the Workers Party. 348. Gerry Carroll, People

Before Profit Alliance. 4132. Sorcha Eastwood, Alliance. 731. Paul

Maskey, Sinn Fein. 27100. -- 27 107. Frank McCoubrey,

Democratic Unionist party. 5455. I declare that Paul Maskey is

returned to serve in Parliament, for the Belfast West constituency. Thank

you. Very successful for Paul Maskey of

Sinn Fein, his vote up from 19,163 in 2015, I make that an increase of

something in the region of 8000 votes, no huge surprise, Alex, sorry

for cutting across you. That was a very safe Sinn Fein said. But he has

piled on a lot of additional votes. What's interesting, Frank

McCoubrey's vote is almost enough for a seat in the next Assembly

election, he is ahead of Gerry Carroll. That's what were going to

see in every seat, no harm to the DUP and SDLP and Alliance, none of

that matters, this is Sinn Fein versus the DUP. I will predict this,

if Theresa May comes back with a very small majority and the DUP try

to prop up a paper thin majority, with a hard Brexit, there is no way

I would have thought that Sinn Fein would entertain the thought of

setting up an Executive with them. I want to hear from Peter Hain, who

joins us now from London, I think, our studio there. Former Secretary

of State in Northern Ireland. Thanks very much for joining us on the

programme. I will talk about the national picture in a moment, but I

want to ask you about the results we are getting in so far. Three seats

won by the DUP with a huge -- huge increased majorities. Done very well

and North Durham against Sylvia Hermon, and a big success for Sinn

Fein in west Belfast. -- North Down against Sylvia Hermon. Mark Durkan

may well have lost his seat in Foyle, there is a huge -- a recount,

but Sinn Fein's Elisha McCallion may have taken that seat. What does that

tell you about the nature of politics in Northern Ireland?

Mark's loss, if that is what it turns out to be, will be a loss for

Parliament in Northern Ireland politics. But clearly, the voters of

Northern Ireland by choosing between the DUP and Sinn Fein. And that has

got important implications, given that the UK wide picture, because

Theresa May, whatever happens at the end of the night, has not got over

is not going to get the huge majority for a hard right Brexit

that she wanted. She has been rebuffed. Labour's done very well

comparatively to what people expected, very well indeed. That is

a positive for Jeremy Corbyn. But its implications for Northern

Ireland I think all this, it makes it possible for part of the UK that

voted to remain in the European Union, to actually try to get a

better deal on Brexit than it looked likely if Theresa May had a stonking

majority, to just push ahead and do what she liked. Now there must be a

possibility in Parliament for actually keeping us within the

single market, for which there is a majority by the way in Parliament,

across parties, that has not been able to express itself because of

Theresa May's policy on Brexit and the Tory position. And also that

will make it easier to deal with the extremely difficult and potentially

insoluble issue of the border between Northern Ireland and the

republic. Because if we are in the single market, even if we lose --

leave the EU, in other words we become like Norway, which is out of

the EU but in the single market, able to trade our goods and services

without barriers, tariffs, customs unions to go through which would

otherwise be erected, then I think that becomes a greater possibility.

Some people might be pessimistic about the possibility of agreement

being reached between the two parties, given that they are at

opposite ends of the spectrum, but if you were an optimist you would

say they have strong mandates from which to compromise in fact? Bodel I

hope so. Because for -- for Arlene Foster the DUP performance is very

good, and for Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein's performance is very positive

and very good, so they are both strengthened. And leaders who are

strengthened, who don't have to look over their shoulders the whole time

for people carping from behind them or seeking to make life difficult,

are better able to do the deals that the majority of Northern Ireland

voters want, in getting the Assembly back up and running. So I hope it is

positive, I hope that Brexit doesn't act as a divisive factor in

preventing that agreement. Because remember, Northern Ireland voted to

remain within the EU. So I hope that the strengthening of Sinn Fein and

the DUP in this election actually gives both groups a much greater

momentum and willingness to do this deal that is in their own interests

and certainly in the interests... Sorry to cut across Europe, we have

a declaration in South Antrim. -- sorry to cut across you.

Can I have quiet, please? Thank you. Janet Goodall, as deputy returning

officer for the South Antrim constituency, I hereby declare the

following results. The eligible electorate was 68,000 244. 68244.

The votes polled were 43,000 -- 43292. The valid votes were 43170.

And in valid votes, one to two. Which was a turnout of 63.44%. In

valid votes, 122. I hereby declare the number of votes for the

following candidates. Paul Girvan, Democratic Unionist party. 16508.

Declan Kearney, Sinn Fein. 7797. Neil Kelly, Alliance. 3203. Danny

Kinahan, Ulster Unionist Party. 13300. Roisin Lynch, social

Democratic and Labour Party. 2362. I declare that Paul Girvan is returned

to serve in Parliament for the South Antrim constituency.

Paul Girvan text that seat from Danny Kinahan, he was an MP for the

last two years, couldn't hold on. Paul Girvan the candidate this time

round, it was William McCrea last time round. He had 10,900 93. This

time Paul Girvan has 16,000 -- 16 508. Let's hear what he has to say.

I would like to thank the deputy returning officer, Janet, and her

team, for the efficient way they have carried out the camp, but I

also want to thank those who man the polling stations. Those people who

were up very early yesterday morning, and it was yesterday

morning. And they had a long day, I think many of the people in this

room had a similar day as well. But I want to thank them very much as

well, I would like to thank the PSNI for what they have undertaken to

ensure that we delivered this election in a safe forum. I want

first of all my election agent, Matthew. -- I want to thank. I know

it was maybe not the easiest thing to try and manage me, and I will say

that, but he had a wonderful team... Paul Girvan, he's put 5500 votes

onto William McCrea's performance two years ago. That is impressive,

it ties in with the other victories for the DUP of course. We believe

the Foyle announcement could be imminent, windows Sinn Fein appeared

to win that seat on the first camp, now a second term. -- there is now a

second count. Michelle O'Neill was confident the result would remain

the same. Paul Maskey put a thousand votes on his performance of two

years ago, up from 19,000 to 20 7000. Do you share Michelle

O'Neill's confidence. Reported difference of 170 votes as

the territory where it is absolutely within a candidate's right to seek a

recount, but having seen numerous recounts, 170 votes is a lot to find

in those circumstances. So if it transpires that a leash wins that

said, it will be a phenomenal site. To take that seat in Derry is

something that has been a long aspiration. I think there will be a

lot of people in Derry thinking about Martin McGuinness, and I think

it will be a clear sign that the Sinn Fein strategy has been endorsed

by more and more people within the community, and I think the onus is

on us to use that responsibility and mandate to deliver for those people

who have entrusted us with their vote. Danny Kennedy, your reaction

to the news that Danny Kinahan has lost his seat. I am extremely

disappointed. His vote is up, but not by enough to hold the seat. On a

personal basis, I am enormously distressed for Danny, and that's it,

he was a hard-working, conscientious member of Parliament. Unfortunately

though he got caught in the DUP tied at this election, it is no

reflection on him personally, and I hope he will live to fight another

day. Christopher Stortford, we can see the direction of travel here. A

good performance by Paul Girvan, do you feel any sense of sadness for

Danny Kinahan? Bodel I have lost an election in the past, I know what

it's like. -- I have lost an election in the past. You should

always try to emphasise with those who do. But I cannot say I am

delighted for Paul, because as well as working hard in my own

constituency I have been out and about working in South Antrim quite

a lot. The guy that run my campaign to get re-elected to storm the first

time was running Paul's campaign in this election. -- re-elected to

Stormont. But I think the result was reflective of the fact that Paul is

just genuinely liked by people regardless of what party they belong

to. we are going to Foyle. Before that,

a interview with the former leader of the SDLP, Alistair McDowell. He

arrived at the Titanic Exhibition Centre a short time ago. As he

arrived he spoke to our reporter Richard Morgan. I still look at the

figures, when account is finished. Do you feel confident they have won

South Belfast? We will see in a minute. What about the SDLP vote

overall? I was campaigning South Belfast, for a remain vote, a

minimum Brexit five. We were not going to get remain. -- minimum

Brexit vote. I will campaign to stay as close to Europe as possible if

remaining is not possible. A lot of work to be done. We can have

delusional excitement and night, but the point is, the problems are

massive. Problems in education, problems in jobs. Problems in

health. All of those are magnified by us leaving the European Union.

Why have voters turned away from the SDLP to the likes of Sinn Fein or

the DUP? I am not aware that it away from the SDLP. We will way that up,

and look where we are at. The job goes on. I did not join politics,

get involved in politics for instant success, I got involved to make a

difference. We have not seen the results yet. We have not lost the

seat. It is a bit sad, they are refusing, and they're not able to

join the announcement. Alasdair McDonnell, former leader of the

SDLP. Not sounding terribly optimistic. Dolores Kelly from the

party is with me. I will not characterise that as an acceptance

of defeat. Did not sound positive, do you accept that? I do except it

doesn't sound positive. Alan Stone still fighting game you have to give

it to him. He fights to the wire. Discount is going to the wire. That

seems to be what most people are saying from all sides. Not until the

final shakedown even though the result. We are also hearing, and not

saying he has told us this, saying Chris Hazard cannot be caught in

South Down. That is terrible news for the SDLP. That would be another

former leader, Margaret Ritchie, out of the Commons. It would be another

exceptionally hard-working member of Parliament, who puts her life and

soul into serving the people of South Down, and it is in

compensable. Potentially you will lose three seats and three former

leaders. We are very resilient party, politics is a tough game. If

anyone is evidence of that, I am. Let's look at the pictures, chatting

around the table. This is the Foyle announcement. The invalid vote was

177. As the deputy returning officer for the Foyle constituency I declare

at the election the number of votes for each candidate was as follows.

John Doherty, Alliance party 847. Mark Durkin, SDLP, social Democratic

and Labour Party 1887. Shaun Harkin, people before profit Alliance, 1377.

Alicia McCowan, Sinn Fein 18 to 56. -- 18 256.

You can see the response, the light against the Sinn Fein people.

Supporters and candidates and party workers. The party's candidate in

Foyle winning the seat by quite a few boys. -- quite a few

votes. Extremely narrow margin 169 votes

separating Mark Durkan from Alicia McCallion. First of the SDLP seats

to go. Let's hear what she had to say. I want to acknowledge the

outgoing MP for the city, Mark has been a public presented in Derry for

a large number of years. He has served it well. I cannot not express

a delight at being the first-ever MP elected. It has been an absolute

privilege given this opportunity, an even bigger privilege for the

electorate to come out today and vote for me the numbers they have. I

want to make it clear I will represent every single person in

this constituency. I want to take the opportunity to thank the team of

activists, who had been with me every step of the way in this

campaign. This has been an almighty campaign for Republicans in the

city. Every single one of them was out daily, I want to take the

opportunity now to say thank you so, so much. I also want to thank my

family, my husband and my children. Whilst being a candidate takes its

toll is on the cantons, takes its toll is on the family as well. Thank

you to the boys. Folks, Republicans in this city have had a difficult

start to the year, no doubt about it. We have lost a friend, we lost

the leader, and we lost our inspiration. He guided us every step

of the way through this election. His memory lives on in every single

one of us. Martin can we do this for you. -- Martin, we did this for you.

This is part of Martin's legacy in the city. Before the election we

tell the electorate you are voting in part of team Sinn Fein. I am

delighted to be part of that team again. To represent people of this

city in places where would that -- Wedgewood actually matter. I want to

thank Michelle O'Neill, power lead in the north. I want to thank

leadership she has shown in the campaign. It has been incredible.

Certainly great as another woman to get the support I have got from the

shell and the entire party. Folks, it has been a long day, and

absolutely magnificent day. I am not gimmicky duty much longer. There is

partying to be done. Thank you very much. Victorious, paying tribute to

Martin McGuinness. Also acknowledging the work of the former

SDLP MP, Mark Durkin. Making his way onto the platform now. Let's hear

what he had to say. In his comments. Felicia, these are yours. -- Alicia,

that is your letter of appointment. You need that. OK, I cannot tell a

lie, saying it does not hurt. I absolutely want to begin by

congratulating Alicia McCallion from agreeing with what she has achieved

is being a privilege representing the people of the city as their MP.

It is a privilege I have enjoyed for 12 years. I'm sure Alicia will enjoy

that she has given that mandate. I want to thank my family, for their

support. Not just through this campaign, but obviously all during

my tenure, and in all the aspects of my public services well. My wife

Jackie lost a sister in this campaign, and tonight does not

compare to that. He also want to thank my daughter, who has been

hugely patient in this campaign with all the distractions and burdens

that come with it. No matter what hits my reputation, she figures

pride, not any office or post I have held even now open for. Public

service brings huge responsibilities. I have tried to

discharge my responsibilities as an MP, and other role as minister and

MLA. Prior to that negotiating the Good Friday agreement. I will

continue to work with them, with all my colleagues in the SDLP as they

continue to do that as well. Under the very strong and positive

leadership that Colum Eastwood is giving. Thanking my whole team, I

want to thank my election agent and my stand election agent tonight. I

want to thank all of that team for all the footwork they have done

putting in. We did not have as much to spend as overseas. We certainly

were behind compared to many other parties. We fought a good campaign

on the doorsteps. We have those conversations on the doorsteps. That

was rewarded with a higher vote for me got in the last Westminster

election, and higher than the last assembly elections as well. We're

proud of that, we also acknowledge that we are not the only people who

have more votes. Of course Alicia got more votes than we do. That is

the way the numbers are in elections. Physically first past the

post election. We cannot complain about how that aspect of elections

work. If there are any issues we have, ran procedures and practices,

those points will be there for another day. There any mention

tonight because they may will be raised and pursued and another day,

possibly other parties. I want to apologise to John and Pat Hume, if

any shortcomings on my part, or any of us have led to any sense of being

a dent in the truth for which they endeavoured, and the truth of their

endeavours. Their achievements and contributions to the city and not

diminished by Arab resulting anyway. I take any responsibility I have for

this result, and not on any other shelters. Can thank thank all of you

for your patience, as well as thanking all the people who voted

for me and the SDLP in this campaign. I really respect the fact

that I received, I also respect the votes that others perceive as well.

That is the nature of the Democratic process. So, Alicia said there is

partying to be done, I don't want to stand in a way that anybody else. I

don't want to stand in a way of rest for Jackie and myself and everyone.

Mark Durkan there, the end of an era for the SDLP in Derry. Acknowledging

the success that Elisha McCallion has had in taking the seat from him.

She had 18,256, Sinn Fein's vote up 8.2%, Mark Durkan 18,200 47. That

means the majority that Sinn Fein now has over the SDLP and Foyle is

169. Mark Davenport is with me, are we witnessing the political obituary

of the SDLP being drafted tonight? Were certainly witnessing history,

when we were looking at how the parties were doing, it was clear

both the UUP and SDLP were vulnerable, we have seen that played

out in South Antrim and Foyle. I probably would have bet on Foyle

being the stronghold the SDLP would hold onto, after all this was the

stronghold of John Hume, the home constituency of the current party

leader, and Mark Durkan as you saw the very well liked across the

board. So we are a thing witnessing the last days of the SDLP, they are

going to have difficulty moving on from here.

Let's head over to see the declaration for East Antrim. This is

Sammy Wilson's seat. The deputy returning officer is about to make

that announcement now. The votes were as follows. Stewart

Dickson, Alliance. 5950. Mark Logan, Conservatives. 963. Margaret

McKillop, SDLP. 1278. Oliver McMullan, Sinn Fein. 355. John

Stewart, Ulster Unionist Party. For -- 4000 524. Sammy Wilson,

Democratic Unionist party. 21873. Could I have quiet, please? Quack,

please. -- quiet, please. That was 21,000 873. -- that was 21873.

Quiet, please. I declare that Sammy Wilson is returned to serve in

Parliament for the East Antrim constituency. Sammy Wilson, his vote

is 21873, an increase in his majority of almost 10,000 votes, we

will come back and discuss that in a bit more detail in a moment, but

just a few moments ago the announcement was made for East

Belfast. Let's take a look at that. If I could have your attention,

please. For the declaration of the result for the East Belfast

constituency. I, Stephen McCrory, as deputy returning officer for the

Belfast East constituency, hereby declare that at the election, the

number of votes for each candidate was as follows. Bobby Beck,

Independent. 54. Sheila Bodel, Conservatives. For 46. Seamas de

Faoite, 167. Hazel Legge, Ulster Unionists. 1408. Naomi Long,

Alliance. 154 -- 15443. Georgina Milne, Green Party. 561. Mairead

O'Donnell, Sinn Fein. 894. Gavin Robinson, Democratic Unionist party.

I declare that Gavin Robinson is returned to serve in Parliament for

Belfast East. Thank you. So Gavin Robinson, beating Naomi Long

comfortably there, 24,000 votes to 15,500 rods. Gavin Robinson majority

-- Gavin Robinson's jollity 4500 or thereabouts if I've got my sums

right on the last time. -- Gavin Robinson's majority. He is making

his acceptance speech, I think. We were here what he has to say, he

will be very pleased to have done that without a unionist pact in East

Belfast this time round. So there he is making his way to the microphone.

Deputy returning officer, Stephen, thank you to you and your staff for

such an expert count this evening. Can I also ask -- thank Jeanette

Murray, the star of these -- East Belfast electoral office, somebody

we have tortured over the last seven weeks, but somebody who has been a

faithful servant to all of those who have sought to stand for election

and who believe in democracy in our province. Thank you very much to

her. Well, what a result! APPLAUSE. I couldn't stand here if it was not

for the fantastic support that I have received from a amazing team.

And George, who never managed more than two doors before he got a

collar. To all of those who have got behind our campaign. I am eternally

grateful for your support. Anybody who stands for election knows the

toll it can have on families, and so thank you, Lindsay. Thank you for

all you have done for me. And for all we have been through together,

and for our amazing son, who I hope will celebrate with us tomorrow. And

none of this could be possible without a campaign, and for all of

those who stood in East Belfast, to Naomi, and Hazel, and Seamus, and

Georgina, and Sheila, and Bobby, and I'm good to forget somebody, but to

everyone who stood, who made this campaign and enjoyable occasion, for

a change and election campaign that was enjoyable, but was carried out

in the right spirit. I want to thank you all sincerely. And I mean that.

And can I just say a special word to the Alliance representatives,

because it was only last week but they lost a colleague of hers, and

somebody who anyone who lives in East Belfast and knows politics will

recognise the dedicated service he gave. I think it is appropriate that

we pay tribute to Mervyn, to all of those who loved him and knew him.

Gavin Robinson, thanking and paying tribute to all of those who stood

against him and paying a particular word of tribute to the former

councillor, Belfast City Council, Mervyn Jones, who was a Alliance

stalwart for many years, and his sudden passing last week did affect

a lot of people in the party. We've got Mark Durkan, I think, the former

MP for Foyle joining us. Good evening, thank you very much indeed

for joining us, and commiserations on what must have been a very

difficult loss for you to have to deal with tonight. We saw your

acceptance speech. Toulouse must be difficult, but by such a narrow

margin must be almost impossible to take on board. 169 votes. Yes, it

was a narrow margin, that is maybe some twist of consolation in the

circumstances. I would have been happy to have won by that margin

rather than Toulouse, and for -- rather than to be defeated. Because

I think that rather than having a new parliament which looks like it

is going to have a very interesting complexion, with very interesting

margins there, I just think it is sad that there is not a progressive

social Democratic voice looking like it is going to be there. Or a voice

of democratic nationalism, and all the decisions that are going to have

to be made around Brexit. So while I am conscious of the blow to myself

and the party locally, I am also worried about what I think is the

injury to political prospects at night as well. You have held the

seat for 12 years, the party I think I am right in saying has held at 434

years. It is the first time Sinn Fein has won a Westminster seat in

the seat of Derry ever. Are we witnessing the political obituary of

the SDLP being written tonight? I asked our political editor and he

said effectively he thought that could well be the case. Are you

fearful he might be right? I think that obituary has been written many

times before over many, many years. But yes, this is a blow. Not just of

the party, I think it is a blow to politics in the north. I think the

idea that just shortly after the Assembly election, which delivered

the two parties to big mandates, but they then haven't delivered on in

terms of getting an Assembly up and running, and they have now been

gifted an election that Theresa May called, that has consolidated their

position. So the DUP have got what they want in terms of themselves

having a relatively stronger presence in Westminster, without

having to contend to the rival commentary and input and debating

points coming from ourselves, they are not going to have to run to

catch up to do some of the things we are doing. And Sinn Fein have got

what they want, because that both -- both them and the SDLP have the

common aim that they wouldn't really want, having their voice heard in

Westminster and having influence, at a time when that influence could

count. So that is what has been achieved by the way in this

election, so we will have to see how the public digests that. I know the

party will have two reflect on all of that as well, but the party had a

positive and strong point, and I think ironically we are the people

who are going to be vindicated by what we said in the campaign.

Because we said a vote for anyone else would not help the case against

Theresa May, and there was a case to make there, and people are realising

that might have been true. Sorry to cut across you, just briefly, we

could be looking at a scenario tonight or subtly by breakfast time

tomorrow where Irish nationalism does not have a voice in the House

of Commons for the first time ever. Because as we understand it, three

former SDLP leaders could well lose their seats tonight. You have lost

yours, we hear that in South Down, Chris Hazzard can't be caught, that

would be Margaret Ritchie loses hers, and in South Belfast the DUP

is confident it has managed to unseat Alistair MacDonald. Theresa

May's not having a good day if the exit poll turns out to be right,

that is pretty catastrophic for the SDLP, isn't it? Yes, I'm not going

to deny it is a huge blow. I hugely regret it for the SDLP. But also for

the reasons for wider politics. I think it will be completely wrong

and unhelpful that Democratic Irish nationalism could possibly end up

without having a voice in what is going to be a potentially

interesting Westminster arithmetic. It is not just the arithmetic, it is

then the political dynamic that can be created, as I approved by being

able to get a whole load of stuff into the Select Committee. But you

couldn't have got without a voice there. So we have a lot to reflect

on. The people will have to take in these results as well, and we will

have to pick ourselves up. The SDLP will be there, offering

leadership to the wider community as well as the party. They have been an

MP for 12 years, you have been the party leader, you were Deputy First

Minister and Finance Minister, politics has been your life and

public service as well. I am sorry to have to ask you this, but what

will you do in the future? I thought you were going to say, you have

never had a real job! You would only throw that back at me! It is new

circumstances, the new juncture, I am always one for challenges. I will

have to contemplate all of that. First and foremost, I am thinking

about the political situation as I indicated in my speech, I am

thinking about how people like John and Pat Hume taken this result in

the overall context and the result. I will have plenty to think about

but I think we all have and in a democracy, perhaps we should all

think more about voting and the consequences. We wish you well and

we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us at what is obviously a

difficult time. Thank you. Good to talk to you, the former MP for

Foyle. It is not a good night for his party. I think South Down is

imminent, but before that, we knew around three o'clock would be busy.

North and Jerome has happened. Let us look at that declaration -- North

Antrim. Votes polled, 48,580, 48, five 80. Valid votes, 48,000 468.

Invalid votes, 112. Percentage turnout 64.21%. I, Rae Kirk, as the

deputy returning officer for the North Antrim constituency, hereby

declare that at the election, the number of votes for each candidate

was as follows. Timothy Gaston, traditional Unionist Voice, TUV,

3282. Cara McShane, Sinn Fein, 7878. Jackson Minford, Ulster Unionist

Party, 3482. Declan O'Loan, SDLP, 2000 574. Patricia O'Lynn, Alliance

Party, 2723. Ian Paisley, Democratic Unionist Party, DUP, 28,000 521.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. I declare that Ian Paisley is returned to

serve in Parliament for the North Antrim constituency. Thank you.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. So, Ian Paisley obviously very pleased, he

did say to me earlier that the reason the count was taking such a

long time was that there were so many of his votes to be counted and

you would expect Ian Paisley to say something like that. His vote is up

from 18,107 to 28,000 521. An increased majority of 10,000 104.

His share of the vote is up 15.6%. Before I talk about North Antrim and

East Belfast, I want to say that I thought Mark Durkan conducted

himself with great dignity in the interview with you. For someone like

Mark Durkan, who the SDLP and politics, has been his life, this

will be a very bitter blow for him. I know some of his family, I was at

university with his knees and they are good family and good people and

I think when someone who has been at the front line of politics for so

long, who have their career cut short, you should sympathise with

them. He looks shattered. I do not want to be unkind, but he looks

absolutely shattered. But putting on a brave face. I think it is right,

or when a politician of senior rank comes a cropper in the way that he

has by such a small margin, it would be a very hard thing to take. I

wanted to say that. It is important to agree with that. I think when you

win, you find out a lot about other people and when you lose, you find

out a lot about yourself. It is a heavy blow for Mark Durkan. You can

empathise. You had a tough time in March. You are a senior figure in

the Ulster Unionist Party. I imagine it was not a pleasant situation,

maybe you can offer him some advice and remind him that there is life

after electoral defeat. There is of course, but it will hurt and it will

hurt a lot. Mark Durkan has many achievements behind him and he can

be very proud of the contribution he has made. North Belfast, here is the

declaration. Nigel Dodds, Democratic Unionist Party, 21,000 240.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. John Finucane, Sinn Fein, 19100 and

59. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. 19, one 59.

Martin McAuley, Social Democratic and Labour Party, 2058. Sam Nelson,

Alliance Party, 2475. Malachi O'Hara, Green Party, 644. Gemma

Weir, The Workers Party, 360. I declared that Nigel Dodds is

returned to serve in Parliament for the North Belfast constituency.

Thank you. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. Nigel Dodds

was successful in north Belfast. We knew it would be very tight between

Nigel Dodds and the new Sinn Fein candidate in that constituency, John

Finucane. He came in to fight this election, a lawyer, of course. Let

us hear now from Nigel Dodds. I thank the deputy returning officer

and his staff for the way they have conducted this count tonight. Can I

begin by thanking the people of north Belfast for giving me this

victory. The fifth election in a row that I have been returned as a

member of Parliament for North Belfast. I want to thank, in

particular, my fantastic team of election workers, without whom this

victory would not have been possible. Let us leave Nigel Dodds

and get the results for South Down. Harold McKee, Ulster Unionist Party,

2002. 2002. Andrew McMurray, Alliance Party, 1814. Mark Ritchie,

SDLP, Social Democratic and Labour Party, 17800 and 82. -- Margaret

Ritchie. I declare that Chris Hazard is

returned to serve in Parliament for the South Down constituency. Thank

you. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. Chris Hazzard

has won South Down, the second seat tonight that the SDLP have lost to

Sinn Fein. Chris Hazard's vote 20,328, Margaret Ritchie, the former

MP for South Down with 17800 and 82. That is Chris Hazard with party

colleagues. Not surprisingly, smiling from ear to ear. We were

hearing earlier, that Chris Hazzard could not be caught and so it proved

to be. I am assuming he will make his way up to the platform and say

something. Mark Devenport, let us bring you win. We have seen a

pattern throughout, the DUP has consolidated on the Unionist side,

and on the national side, the Sinn Fein have consolidated. We are

hearing that it is quite possible that Alasdair McDonnell may lose the

seat in south Belfast. Potentially we might also see the removal of the

Ulster Unionists if Michelle Gildernew wins in Fermanagh and

South Tyrone. Here is Chris Hazard, about to begin his acceptance

speech. Thank you very much for hanging around. Thank you to the

Electoral Office and their staff and Majella Morgan for completing things

so swiftly. For all the work that goes into the election. Before I

start, I would like to thank Margaret and to praise Margaret for

a lifetime of public service. There are a lot of people in South Down

who had their lives positively affected by the work she has done.

Politics is a rough sport at times, so certainly, I wish you all the

best for the future and thank you for everything that you have done in

public service. APPLAUSE.

We are now entering a new era in South Down, this is an historic

election, it is the first time a Republican has been elected to this

post in South Down. Whilst I am honoured and privileged

that it is me, I am very aware that I'm standing on the shoulders of

heroes, people who went before us and I want to dedicate this went to

a dear friend, Vincent MacDonald, who passed from us this year. But

this is also a huge win for people like McMurphy, Katrina Grant, Frak

McDowell and people who work with us through barren times and tough times

to spread the Sinn Fein message and I'm delighted it has resonated so

popularly this year but the message now for Sinn Fein and the people of

South down is not one step back. There are huge challenges, we fight

Brexit, Torre austerity, and there are huge opportunities for our young

people, so I am humbled to receive such a vote and I cannot wait to get

stuck in. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE.. Margaret Ritchie makes her way to

the platform. I would like to congratulate Chris and his team for

your win here tonight. I want to fight Colm McGrath, my election

agent, and all my election workers -- thank Colm McGrath. The result

tonight was not one we would have hoped for but I can't say that my

colleagues and I have helped many people in South down and I can say

in that respect... That I can hold my head high here tonight because of

the level of service and representation that has been

provided I'm me and by the SDLP over the last number of years. It is

quite obvious that Brexit has changed the political landscape and

there aren't many lessons to be learned from that but I would also

say to you that I haven't gone away because I am going to live and fight

for another day because that is the message I want to give to the

people. The people of South Three also want service and

representation, they want the delivery and they want delivery here

in the constituency but also in Parliament because that is clearly

the test at the doors and the other test was the people wanted to see

the institutions up and running and delivering for them in terms of

health, education, jobs and the economy and I hope that it is

possible but in planting of my workers and my staff, I say good

night, thank you and I wish you well, Chris, in your new job. That

was Margaret Ritchie admitting defeat. This is South Belfast. 7946.

Michael Henderson, Ulster Unionist Party, 1527. Emma Little Pengelly,

Democratic Unionist Party, 13200 and 99. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE.

Alasdair McDonnell, SDLP, 11,000 303. Mairtin O Muilleoir, Sinn Fein,

7143. Clare Salier, Conservatives, 246.

Emma Little Pengelly is returned to serve in Parliament for the South

Belfast constituency. So Emma Little Pengelly has unseated the former MP

for South Belfast, Alasdair McDonnell, former leader of the SDLP

by a majority of 2000 votes. We were told it would be tight. Emma Little

Pengelly makes her way up to the platform and we can hear what she

has to say to those people gathered in the Titanic Exhibition Centre. I

want to pay tribute to Alasdair McDonnell, the outgoing MP. I know

Alistair has served South Belfast for many decades, working incredibly

hard across the constituency and I genuinely wish him all the best and

all of your family as well. APPLAUSE

I also want to thank my running mates in South Belfast across all

the parties. I think for the vast majority of the time it was a very

civilised and decent campaign and I want to pay tribute to them also. I

note that all candidates cannot do this alone and behind each of us is

an incredible team and I do want to pay tribute and to give thanks to my

team, first of all to my election agent, Jimmy Spratt, and also to my

campaign manager, the Right Honourable Peter Robinson. I know

Peter has come out of retirement to help and support me in this campaign

and he has been invaluable. I think many people said he was looking very

relaxed and I hope he doesn't look more stressed than he was six weeks

ago but I want to thank him for doing that for me. That is Emma

Little Pengelly paying tribute to Peter Robinson, who masterminded her

campaign in South Belfast. She is the successful candidate by winning