Opposition reaction: Fine Gael and Labour have acknowledged the difficulties the election result have created for the political process but noted the new assembly still contained a large pro-agreement majority.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, called for early talks with all the parties which won seats "to establish that they are committed to devolution and power-sharing and to establish the basis on which future all-party talks can take place".
The Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, said there was an overall pro- agreement majority among MLAs. "It is very clear that the outcome of the election will also make it very difficult to secure the restoration of the Executive and the other institutions that all supporters of the Good Friday agreement would want to see."
Ms Liz O'Donnell (PDs), said there must be no unravelling of the agreement which she helped to negotiate as part of the Government team. Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (SF) said the party was determined to replicate its electoral success in next year's local elections in the Republic and in the European elections. The Green leader, Mr Trevor Sargent, described block votes for unionist and nationalist candidates as "rational and tragic".