100 votes separate the contenders for last seat

South Down: "Do you need to de-stress at lunch-time" read the sign outside the gymnasium where the votes were being counted

South Down: "Do you need to de-stress at lunch-time" read the sign outside the gymnasium where the votes were being counted. "Try as many activities as you like!"

For the SDLP's Mr Eamonn O'Neill and Sinn Féin's councillor, Mr Willie Clark - in what promises to be a cliffhanger for the final seat - elections aren't one of those activities of choice.

Just over 100 votes separate the two candidates who will battle it out for the final seat.

"This one will go right down to the wire," said one SDLP official. "It's far too early to tell, but there could be blood on the walls by this time tomorrow."

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South Down is one of the more predictable constituencies and a stronghold for the SDLP, which is hoping to hold its three seats.

Poll results yesterday suggest it will hold on to two of them, with Mr P.J. Bradley and Ms Margaret Ritchie performing strongly. However, Sinn Féin's gains in this election and the retirement of SDLP poll-topper Mr Eddie McGrady mean there will be a fierce battle for the sixth seat.

The DUP's sole candidate, Mr Jim Wells, was elected on the first count last night, maintaining the party's single seat.