Menu
10/05/2005
DUP and SF repeat Westminster election success
As counting in Northern Ireland’s council elections proceeded today, the DUP has virtually repeated its Westminster performance by strengthening its hand in local government.
Ian Paisley’s party increased its number of seats with 182 councillors being elected, up 52 on 2001 election figures with a near 30% share of the vote. This compares to nearest rivals Sinn Fein who won 126 seats, up 18 on 2001 with a 23% share of the vote.
Mirroring its catastrophic loses in the Westminster election the Ulster Unionist Party won 115 seats, down 40 with 18% share of the vote. However, the UUP was still ahead of the SDLP who won 101 seats, down 16 with just over 17% share of the vote.
The big talking points of this year’s local council elections have been the loss of Sinn Fein’s only councillor in the Pottinger area to Alliance. This is attributed to a knock-on effect of the imbroglio over the murder of Robert McCartney earlier this year.
Another notable loss is the demise of a former MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Ken Maginnis. Lord Maginnis lost his seat on Dungannon District Council where he had served for 20 years.
In Derry, Sinn Fein Councillor Gerry O'hEara, who is currently serving as mayor, has lost his seat after 16 years. He will remain as mayor until Derry City Council meets later this month.
The SDLP with a vote diminished by several percentage points has struggled to hold seats, while the Alliance party has clung on to its vote share to gain additional local council seats.
The overall turnout for the council elections, which saw voting for Northern Ireland's 582 local council seats in 26 areas, was around 63%.
(MB/SP)
Ian Paisley’s party increased its number of seats with 182 councillors being elected, up 52 on 2001 election figures with a near 30% share of the vote. This compares to nearest rivals Sinn Fein who won 126 seats, up 18 on 2001 with a 23% share of the vote.
Mirroring its catastrophic loses in the Westminster election the Ulster Unionist Party won 115 seats, down 40 with 18% share of the vote. However, the UUP was still ahead of the SDLP who won 101 seats, down 16 with just over 17% share of the vote.
The big talking points of this year’s local council elections have been the loss of Sinn Fein’s only councillor in the Pottinger area to Alliance. This is attributed to a knock-on effect of the imbroglio over the murder of Robert McCartney earlier this year.
Another notable loss is the demise of a former MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Ken Maginnis. Lord Maginnis lost his seat on Dungannon District Council where he had served for 20 years.
In Derry, Sinn Fein Councillor Gerry O'hEara, who is currently serving as mayor, has lost his seat after 16 years. He will remain as mayor until Derry City Council meets later this month.
The SDLP with a vote diminished by several percentage points has struggled to hold seats, while the Alliance party has clung on to its vote share to gain additional local council seats.
The overall turnout for the council elections, which saw voting for Northern Ireland's 582 local council seats in 26 areas, was around 63%.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2011
Council Vote Reflects DUP/SF Dominance
There have been continuing losses in the local council elections for the two parties to fare worst in the Assembly poll - the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP. The gains in the local election - just as for Stormont - are for the DUP, Sinn Fein and Alliance.
Council Vote Reflects DUP/SF Dominance
There have been continuing losses in the local council elections for the two parties to fare worst in the Assembly poll - the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP. The gains in the local election - just as for Stormont - are for the DUP, Sinn Fein and Alliance.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
27 November 2003
First results announced for 2003 NI Assembly election
See Friday's Results Update With a 23 of the counts in the Northern Ireland Assembly election declared by early evening, political commentators are in broad agreement that the vote for parties outside the four main groups have been squeezed and that realignment patterns within both the unionist and nationalist vote are becoming apparent.
First results announced for 2003 NI Assembly election
See Friday's Results Update With a 23 of the counts in the Northern Ireland Assembly election declared by early evening, political commentators are in broad agreement that the vote for parties outside the four main groups have been squeezed and that realignment patterns within both the unionist and nationalist vote are becoming apparent.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
