SINN FEIN's Michelle Gildernew has retained the Fermanagh/South Tyrone Wesminster seat by four votes.
In the final Northern Ireland constituency to be called after three recounts, unionist unity candidate Rodney Connor came agonisingly close to unseating the incumbent MP.
It is believed Mr Connor had requested a fourth recount, but it was refused by election officials.
However, a legal challenge from unionists in the constituency can not be ruled out.
After the final recount, Ms Gildernew polled 21,304 votes to Mr Connor's 21,300.
After the first count, Mr Connor was ahead before his Sinn Fein counterpart took the lead in the subsequent recount.
Speaking after her victory, Ms Gildernew claimed she received the backing of constituents from both traditions, given her track record as an MP.
"The regressive attempt by the Orange Order to muster the combined forces of unionism against me and against the progressive politics I represent had to be confronted," she said.
"I am delighted that the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone have voted for the future and voted for equality, for unity, for jobs and for leadership."
The SDLP's Fearghal McKinney polled 3,574 votes, after refusing to stand down to aid Ms Gildernew against an agreed unionist candidate.
In a constituency used to political drama, Ms Gildernew took the seat in 2001 with a slim majority of 53 votes.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment