Danny Kennedy Eliminated with two candidates still to be declared

Local representative the Ulster Unionist Party's Danny Kennedy has been eliminated in the second count in the 2019 European Elections with 54,736 votes. Mr Kennedy from Bessbrook was hoping to replace outgoing Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson.

At this stage it looks like three women will be representing the north for the first time ever. Dianne Dodds who has been officially elected at stage three with 155,422 votes and Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson who is now sitting on 128,200.50 with Alliance's Naomi Long sitting on 123,917 votes after stage four. Jim Allister is trailing far behind on 89,854 votes and the next count will most likely see him eliminated.

Speaking on the election Newry & Armagh MP Mickey Brady said his Party colleague Martina Anderson’s poll-topping European election victory with 126,951 first preference votes was a ‘vital win for all those who wish to remain in the EU. He also said that history had been made by the endorsement of two pro-Remain MEPs.

“This is a vital result in terms of sending the right message to Brussels and Britain that we voted to remain in 2016 – and we are still determined to remain.

"It is clearly no coincidence that the result endorsing pro-Remain parties so closely reflects the EU referendum result in the North. People want to see progressive politics and progressive parties working together

"The British Government and the DUP need to start listening. They need to start respecting the democratic wishes of the people here to remain in the EU. The people gave their verdict in 2016 and they have reaffirmed it here today – there is no good Brexit for Ireland, North or South".

Mr Brady added "Brexit has not yet happened and it may not happen at all. Equally, a catastrophic No-Deal deal crash is still possible. In any case, there are major negotiations and upheaval ahead – particularly in terms of safeguarding your rights as EU citizens. It’s vital that we have the strongest possible voice in there fighting on your behalf and that is precisely what we have delivered in this election".