Historic win for Sinn Fein as it becomes biggest party in Northern Ireland

7 May 2022, 19:01 | Updated: 7 May 2022, 19:55

Sinn Fein have won the most assembly seats for the first time.
Sinn Fein have won the most assembly seats for the first time. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Sinn Fein has become the biggest party in Northern Ireland, securing a historic victory for the nationalists.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The party reached 27 seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly election, pushing the DUP into second place.

It is the first time an Irish nationalist party has emerged as the largest at Stormont, after more than a century of unionist and protestant majorities in Northern Ireland.

For over 20 years, the DUP has been the country's biggest party.

Read more: Defiant Boris to 'launch govt reset' after 'tough night' for Tories in local elections

Read more: Local Elections 2022: Which councils have changed hands?

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald greeting locals
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald greeting locals. Picture: Alamy

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill earlier said the party's success "ushers in a new era" for Northern Ireland.

In her declaration speech in Magherafelt after topping the poll in Mid Ulster, Ms O'Neill said: "Today represents a very significant moment of change.

"Today ushers in a new era which I believer presents us all with an opportunity to reimagine relationships in this society on the basis of fairness, on the basis of equality and the basis of social justice.

"Irrespective of religious, political or social backgrounds my commitment is to make politics work."

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (right) and Michelle O'Neill (left) arrive at the Northern Ireland Assembly Election count centre
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (right) and Michelle O'Neill (left) arrive at the Northern Ireland Assembly Election count centre. Picture: Alamy

It comes amid fears of a united Ireland being on the cards within the next five years.

Tory Party chairman Oliver Dowden told Sky on Friday that he was confident the Government could "make the case" for Northern Ireland remaining in the UK but stressed a vote would only take place if there was "sustained majority" for a united Ireland.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said: "I encourage the parties to form an executive as soon as possible. The people of Northern Ireland deserve a stable and accountable local government that delivers on the issues that matter most to them.

"The electorate delivered a number of messages on Thursday. They were clear that they want a fully functioning devolved government in Northern Ireland, they want the issues around the protocol addressed, and that they want politics to work better.

"Over the coming days I will be meeting with all the party leaders and will urge them to restore the Stormont institutions at the earliest possible moment, starting with the nomination of an Assembly Speaker within eight days.

"The Government remains committed to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and will continue to work with the Northern Ireland parties and the Irish Government to deliver its vision for reconciliation, equality, respect for rights and parity of esteem.

"Together, we must move forward towards a brighter future - that means delivering for all the people of Northern Ireland."

Sinn Fein Vice-President Michelle O'Neill makes an acceptance speech
Sinn Fein Vice-President Michelle O'Neill makes an acceptance speech. Picture: Alamy

Meanwhile, Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle said his party could act as an "honest broker", following the party's victory.

He said: "Congratulations to all the new assembly members and to Sinn Fein for earning the right to nominate a new first minister, it is healthy for Northern Ireland that parties from either community can nominate a first minister and shows the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement working.

"Unionism will still have a strong voice within powersharing and calls for progress on the remaining issues of the protocol have been heard and should not prevent a return to the executive.

"The Government must now prioritise practical solutions through negotiation with the EU and not chase headlines with empty threats."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulated Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and the party's vice president Michelle O'Neill.

She tweeted: "Many congratulations to @moneillsf and @MaryLouMcDonald on a truly historic result for Sinn Fein.

"I wish Michelle & her colleagues - & all Northern Ireland's elected representatives - the very best for what comes next & hope to see the NI government functioning again soon."

Some 239 candidates stood across 18 constituencies.

Northern Ireland uses the single transferable vote proportional representation electoral system.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard have both been nominated to the Garrick Club

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard among seven women nominated for membership of all-male Garrick Club

Exclusive
Anneliese Dodds said Labour would make sure local people have 'skin in the game' with tackling inequality

'Rebuild has to start from ground up,' Labour's Anneliese Dodds says, and 'local people must have skin in the game'

Mohamed Mansour has been awarded a knighthood

Conservatives accused of 'cronyism' after donor who gave £5 million awarded knighthood in surprise honours list

Exclusive
Justin Welby recalled his experience of coping with his father's drinking as a teenager.

‘It was utterly isolating’: Archbishop of Canterbury recalls harrowing experience of growing up with his alcoholic father

More than 2 million drivers are set to hit the road on Good Friday.

Easter Carmageddon: Over two million drivers to hit the road on Good Friday after Storm Nelson travel chaos

Michael Gove has slammed the water firm as a 'disgrace'.

Thames Water bosses branded a ‘disgrace’ as Michael Gove tells firm ‘not to punish consumers’ for its failings

South Africa Bus Crash

Girl, 8, the sole survivor as 45 die in bus crash off South Africa bridge

A spokesman has denied reports the sausage dog could be banned.

The wurst news is over: Germany denies claims of sausage dog ban

Israel Palestinians Britain Aid

UN top court orders Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza

Greece Confidence Vote

Greece’s government survives no-confidence motion called over rail disaster

A council has had to apologise following the incident.

Fury as parents offered version of school class photo without complex needs pupils

Conjoined twin who shot to fame with sister on The Oprah Winfrey Show marries army veteran in private ceremony

Conjoined twin who shot to fame with sister on The Oprah Winfrey Show marries army veteran in private ceremony

Israel Palestinians UN Security Council

Russia ‘abolishes’ monitoring of sanctions on North Korea with UN veto

Firefighters at the scene of a bus crash in Limpopo

Bus falls from bridge in South Africa and erupts into flames, killing at least 45 and leaving child, 8, as lone survivor

Music-Green Day UN

Green Day to headline UN-backed global climate concert

Exclusive
Starmer has vowed to resurrect Boris Johnson's 'Levelling Up' policy

Failure to ‘level up’ Britain would be ‘catastrophic’, Wes Streeting admits, as Starmer vows to resurrect Johnson policy