Sinn Féin had a comprehensive victory locally taking both top spots in the two local constituencies, with candidate Chris Hazzard toppling existing SDLP MP, Margaret Ritchie to win the seat as MP for South Down. Newry and Armagh candidate Mickey Brady also got re-elected on the night with a vote increase of over 5000 votes compared to the last Westminster Election in 2015.
Speaking after his re-election Mickey Brady said "Just delighted with the result in the constituency tonight. 25,666 votes. I think it increases our mandate from 2015 and it shows that people accept that Sinn Féin is the go-to party. It's been a great night throughout the six counties for Sinn Féin, we've had great results. Newry and Armagh is a great result and I would hope to continue the work I've been doing for many many years in the constituency."
The MP also said “Our positive and progressive campaign captured the minds of voters across Newry & Armagh, who have made it clear that politics at Westminster has no role in their lives.
“Regardless of the government formed at Westminster, Sinn Féin’s mandate speaks of the need for radical change in how they treat the North of Ireland. We must see an end to attacks on our public services, and a genuine interest in restoring the integrity of our peace process.
“Citizens in this constituency want political change decided on the island of Ireland. This mandate is also a resounding statement that they wish to see an Executive up and running immediately, but only if based on integrity, mutual respect, and equality for all.
“Sinn Féin secured an unstoppable momentum for transformative progressive change and for Irish Unity following the success the Assembly election in March. The appetite for a new, agreed and united Ireland has never been stronger in Newry & Armagh and voters have once again asserted this desire in overwhelming numbers at the ballot box."
Newly elected Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard joins re-elected MP Mickey Brady in the celebrations after the vote count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newly elected MP Chris Hazzard speaking after his win said "I want to dedicate this win to a great friend Vincent MacDonald who passed from us just this year. It is also a huge win for people like Mick Murphy, Caitriona Ruane. Frank McDowell and those who tirelessly worked for many years, through barren times, through tough times to spread the Sinn Féin message and I'm delighted that it resonated so positively, so popularly this year. The message now to Sinn Féin and to the people of South Down is not one step back
The MP concluded "I'm entirely humbled to receive this vote and I can't wait to get stuck in. Go raibh mile maith agat"
Outgoing MP Margaret Ritchie said "Firstly I would like to congratulate Chris and his team for your win here tonight. Obviously I want to think Colin McGrath my Election Agent and all my many workers and our many workers throughout South Down.
"The result tonight was not one that we would have hoped for but I can say that I and my colleagues have helped many many people throughout South Down. I can hold my head hight here tonight because of the level of service and representation that has been provided by me and by the SDLP over the last number of years."
Newry and Armagh candidate Justin McNulty speaking after the count thanked the 9000 plus people who came out and voted for him. "The warm reception and support received right across this area has been deeply humbling. Playing up the hill and against the breeze these people remained resolute.
"I also want to thank everybody who came out and voted in such large numbers and congratulate Mickey Brady on being elected as MP."
"Today has been a difficult day for the middle ground in northern politics. We have lost very capable, articulate and hard working representatives in Mark Durkan, Margaret Ritchie and Alasdair McDonnell. These individuals have given so much, and despite our vote increasing in each of those constituencies it just wasn't enough."
‘Whilst I am hurt for Margaret, Mark and Alasdair on a personal level, I am saddened for the people of these constituencies, as we now have no Irish nationalist voice in parliament for the first time in generations. All reports point to a Tory / DUP government in some form. One which cares little about this place and has no understanding of the impact Brexit will have on border communities"
"Finally, I want to pay tribute to my determined team and family, who armed with a very positive message, made an extraordinary effort throughout the campaign."
The Results
Newry and Armagh
Mickey Brady, Sinn Féin:25,666
William Irwin, DUP: 13,177
Justin McNulty, SDLP: 9,055
Sam Nicholson, UUP: 4,425
Jackie Coade, Alliance: 1,256
South Down
Chris Hazzard, Sinn Féin: 20,328
Margaret Ritchie, SDLP: 17,882
Diane Forsythe, DUP: 8,867
Harold McKee, UUP: 2,002
Andrew McMurray, Alliance: 1,814
Chris Hazzard MP with colleagues at the count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
South Down Alliance candidate Andrew McMurray and Ulster Unionist candidate Harold McKee at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Jeffrey Donaldson at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Jeffrey Donaldson gives his acceptance speech for Lagan Valley. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Justin McNulty, Newry and Armagh candidate at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Margaret Ritchie with Cllr Gillian Fitzpatrick at the vote count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Cllr David Taylor chats to DUP Newry and Armagh candidate William Irwin at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Mickey Brady MP, Conor Murphy, MLA and Jeffrey Donaldson chat at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
MP Mickey Brady shakes hands with MP Jeffrey Donaldson at the count centre while Conor Murphy looks on. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newry and Armagh Ulster Unionist Candidate Sam Nicholson, Clr David Taylor and Jim Nicholson MEP at the vote count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Margaret Ritchie listens to the speeches after losing her seat as MP for South Down. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
MP Chris Hazzard, South Down giving hs acceptance speech at the vote count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Margaret Ritchie speaking after losing her seat as SDLP MP for South Down. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
New MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, Sinn Féin lets the news sink in. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
South Down DUP candidate Diane Forsythe speaking after the count was declared. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Harold McKee, Ulster Unionist candidate for South Down speaking after the declaration at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Margaret Ritchie listens to the speeches after losing her seat as MP for South Down. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Margaret Ritchie listens to the speeches after losing her seat as MP for South Down. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
South Down Alliance candidate Andrew McMurray speaking after the results were declared for South Down. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Mickey Brady MP speaking after he was re-elected as the Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Mickey Brady MP speaking after he was re-elected as the Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Justin McNulty speaking at the count centre after the Newry and Armagh vote declaration. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Justin McNulty speaking at the count centre after the Newry and Armagh vote declaration. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
John O'Dowd, Mickey Brady MP, Megan Fearon, Sinead Ennis and Chris Hazzard MP at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Conor Murphy, John O'Dowd, Mickey Brady MP; Chris Hazzard MP and Sinead Ennis at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Sinn Féin's Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady and South Down MP Chris Hazzard enjoy a laugh at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newly elected Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard celebrates his win. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Chris Hazzard 'pressing the flesh' after being elected as Sinn Fién MP for South Down. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Upper Bann MP David Simpson after his election. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Conor Murphy and Mickey Brady listen to the results at the count centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
MLA Conor Murphy applauds Mickey Brady after he was re-elected as MP for Newry and Armagh. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Mick Murphy, Sinead Ennis and John O'Dowd with re-elected MP Mickey Brady. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newly elected Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard joins re-elected MP Mickey Brady in the celebrations after the vote count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
South Down MP Chris Hazzard and Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady talk to the cameras at the counting centre. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady celebrates his re-election at the count centre early this morning. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newly elected Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard joins re-elected MP Mickey Brady in the celebrations after the vote count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newly elected Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard joins re-elected MP Mickey Brady in the celebrations after the vote count. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady celebrates his re-election at the count centre early this morning. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
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