A CO Down councillor who campaigned for Hillary Clinton has told how he "never wanted (the news) to be more wrong in my life" when word of Donald Trump's unexpected victory came through.
Newry, Mourne and Down Alliance councillor Patrick Brown travelled to key swing state Florida last month to campaign for the Democratic Party ahead of the US Presidential election.
He said he was "terrified" by the prospect of Donald Trump moving into the White House and the possible implications it could have on the rest of the world".
As he followed the results through the night in America the 24-year-old documented how things went from it's "all too close to call" in the Clinton camp to "It's over", the Rowallane councillor said.
The change in mood hinged on losses in key states including Ohio, North Carolina and Florida.
When news of Mr Trump's likely victory began to filter through Mr Brown posted on Facebook: "This is happening..", before admitting defeat: "It's over. But I've never wanted to be more wrong in my life".
When the victory was finally confirmed the councillor was gracious in defeat adding: "We did our best. Stronger together".
While in Florida Mr Brown was working with a volunteer organisation in Miami and engaged directly with voters on the canvassing trail.
Before he embarked on his trip to the US he said Hillary Clinton was "far more likely to win", but refused to rule out the unexpected in politics.
"Who would have thought a little over a year ago Jeremy Corbyn would be leader of the Labour party, the Tories would have a majority in Westminster and Britain would have left the EU?” he said.
