Opinion

After the Westminster poll, time to get Stormont back

This dramatic election has proved that when it comes to politics, Brexit has changed everything.

In Northern Ireland, it was a night of surprises and upsets as voters turned out in high numbers to maximise the Remain vote and send out a firm message to politicians who have not reflected the wishes of the majority as expressed in the 2016 referendum.

It will also be seen as a sign that people have had enough of the Stormont stalemate and want a functioning government working in the best interests of every citizen.

The night belonged to the SDLP and Alliance. The former seizing back Foyle and South Belfast with huge majorities, the latter taking North Down despite the DUP being highly fancied.

It is also clear that the Alliance surge of recent elections was no shortlived phenomenon.

The gains by the centre parties after years of DUP/Sinn Féin domination, is a fascinating development.

Meanwhile, the two main parties suffered serious setbacks this time around.

Sinn Féin is rightly buoyed by its sensational win in North Belfast, John Finucane toppling Nigel Dodds in a seat which has been historically unionist.

However, that success cannot disguise a wider drop in support, down 6.7 per cent in vote share compared to 2017, which will give the party cause to reflect.

Even more soul searching will be required by the DUP which started the campaign with ten MPs with the hope of another and are now reduced to eight.

The loss of their Westminster leader is a massive blow and while he may return as an MLA, serious questions will be asked of the party leadership which pursued a hard Brexit instead of supporting Theresa May in a softer arrangement and are now left with a deal they loathe which could be hugely damaging to the north's economy and even herald the break up of the Union.

Having demolished Jeremy Corbyn and Labour, Boris Johnson's vision of Brexit will now prevail along with the social policies that have seen food banks proliferate and increasing numbers of children in poverty.

It is not a vision shared by the majority of people in Northern Ireland.

If there is one message to come from these elections it is that we need local representatives taking decisions on the issues that affect us most directly.

Next week talks begin on restoring Stormont. It is time to get back to work.