Northern Ireland

DUP duo elected early in Fermanagh & South Tyrone

DUP leader Arlene Foster and Lord Morrow arrive at the Omagh Leisure Complex where both were deemed elected yesterday
DUP leader Arlene Foster and Lord Morrow arrive at the Omagh Leisure Complex where both were deemed elected yesterday DUP leader Arlene Foster and Lord Morrow arrive at the Omagh Leisure Complex where both were deemed elected yesterday

AFTER the madness that was the count in the Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituency for the last assembly elections, proceedings were strangely calm as DUP leader Arlene Foster topped the poll.

First of all, each of the tables in the counting hall managed to remain standing throughout the day, unlike the case in 2011.

And at one point during that count, which will live long in legend, a hand dryer was used to dry off several ballot papers that had got caught out in the rain.

It was with surprise then that assembled media heard the declaration of the first count was due shortly after 3pm - a full eight hours ahead of schedule going by 2011's farce.

Mrs Foster, putting herself up for election for the first time as leader, was comfortably ahead with 8,801 first preference votes.

And her surplus was enough to bring running mate Maurice Morrow across the line at the second stage.

As for the battle within the normally highly disciplined Sinn Féin, it was Michelle Gildernew that won out.

At one point, the popular former health minister and MP, wasn't even going to make it onto the ballot paper.

Although initially selected alongside Sean Lynch and John Feeley, the party reran its convention and replaced her as candidate with Phil Flanagan.

In the end, all four were put forward.

It proved a stretch too far for the Sinn Féin electoral machine and shortly after tea time yesterday, Mr Flanagan conceded he would not be re-elected.

When counting resumes today, all eyes will be on the two Ulster Unionist candidates Rosemary Barton and Alastair Patterson as to who will sneak onto the sixth available seat.

And they'll each be looking over their shoulder at the sole SDLP runner Richie McPhillips.

Although traditionally a strong constituency for the UUP, questions will be raised about the wisdom of fielding two candidates, each of whom polled well below quota.

The DUP however got it just right according to its leader.

"We had a strategy and we stuck with that strategy, an that was the way to do it," said Mrs Foster who said she was "absolutely delighted down here in Fermanagh South Tyrone".

"Over all, I'm very content and I do believe that the people have spoken and that's what democracy is all about and that's why I always say on election day, everybody has the same power as the next person," she said.

Looking at the rest of the picture in Fermanagh & South Tyrone, she added: "I would presume there would be at least two Sinn Féin back, it would be difficult to say will it be another Sinn Féin or SDLP for the third nationalist seat and I expect the Ulster Unionists will take a seat as well."