Northern Ireland

Alliance gain in East Antrim as UUP's Roy Beggs loses seat

Alliance Party candidates Danny Donnelly (left) and Stewart Dickson celebrate after their election at Ulster University Jordanstown count centre in Newtownabbey as counting continues in the Northern Ireland Assembly Election. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire 
Alliance Party candidates Danny Donnelly (left) and Stewart Dickson celebrate after their election at Ulster University Jordanstown count centre in Newtownabbey as counting continues in the Northern Ireland Assembly Election. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA W Alliance Party candidates Danny Donnelly (left) and Stewart Dickson celebrate after their election at Ulster University Jordanstown count centre in Newtownabbey as counting continues in the Northern Ireland Assembly Election. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire 

The Alliance Party made a breakthrough in East Antrim, securing two Stormont seats in the constituency for the first time.

But UUP veteran Roy Beggs has bowed out after representing the constituency since 1998.

Mr Beggs's party colleague John Stewart topped the poll, the first to be elected with 8,459 votes at the third stage of counting.

He said: "It's a bittersweet day. We've increased our vote as a party and I am delighted to represent the people of East Antrim, but I am very sad to lose Roy who represented the constituency so ably for 24 years".

The DUP's Gordon Lyons was next to be elected at the fourth stage, with Alliance's Stewart Dickson, Danny Donnelly and the DUP's Davy Hilditch voted in at the fifth time of asking.

On a night of many gains for Alliance in this election, East Antrim's newest MLA said it was a great step forward for progressive politics in the area.

Mr Donnelly said: "People said to me they are sick of the lack of delivery from Stormont and want people who are willing to work to address the problems they have identified to us."

His colleague Stewart Dickson, who has represented the area since 2001, said: "We have passed the job interview stage and are willing to work.

"I've a message to others - if you don't want the job, don't bother turning up."

Alliance's gain has led to the end of an era in East Antrim.

The name Beggs has always represented the constituency in either Westminster or Stormont, since it was created 39 years ago.

Roy Beggs' father, Roy Sr, was elected MP for the area from 1983 until 2005.

But Mr Stewart said: "Knowing Roy's tenacity he'll be back again very soon.

"I know he'll continue to serve the party in any way he can."