Two nationalist, four unionist as expected

East Derry: There were few surprises at the East Derry count with four unionists and two nationalist MLAs sure to be returned…

East Derry: There were few surprises at the East Derry count with four unionists and two nationalist MLAs sure to be returned.

The only question was which agreement-sceptic unionist would take the final seat.

In a count which was tortuously slow, there were only two MLAs elected by 8 p.m. last night.

Mr Gregory Campbell, the moderate face of the DUP, was the first elected, surpassing the quota of 4,897 by just over 100 votes on the third count.

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He was followed in the next count by Trimble loyalist Mr David McClarty of the UUP.

As predicted, Mr Francie Brolly took a seat for Sinn Féin, at the expense of the SDLP which held the two seats in the constituency. He was elected on the seventh count after he took the lion's share of transfers when party stable-mate, Ms Cliona O'Kane, was eliminated.

SDLP stalwart Mr John Dallat was expected to take the fourth seat, having polled 3,190 first preferences to the 2,394 of his colleague, Mr Michael Coyle.

While not expected to be elected, outgoing MLA Ms Pauline Armitage saw her vote decimated, polling just 906 votes and she was one of the first to be eliminated.