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DUP28+2SF25+2SDLP12-1UUP11-4AP6+1PUP10UKUP00OTH0 After 83 of 108 electedDUP28+2SF25+2SDLP13-1UUP11-4AP6+1PUP10UKUP00OTH0 After 84 of 108 elected
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Time 'critical' for NI devolution Time 'critical' for NI devolution
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Secretary of State Peter Hain has warned he needs an answer from Northern Ireland parties by 25 March if 26 March deadline for devolution is to be met.Secretary of State Peter Hain has warned he needs an answer from Northern Ireland parties by 25 March if 26 March deadline for devolution is to be met.
He was speaking on the second day of counting in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.He was speaking on the second day of counting in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.
The DUP and Sinn Fein have taken more than half the first preference votes between them in the assembly election.The DUP and Sinn Fein have taken more than half the first preference votes between them in the assembly election.
Mr Hain warned the assembly would close if the parties did not sign up to power sharing in the next two weeks.Mr Hain warned the assembly would close if the parties did not sign up to power sharing in the next two weeks.
More than 70% of the 108 assembly seats have been decided. Mr Hain met Sinn Fein on Friday and is to meet the DUP.More than 70% of the 108 assembly seats have been decided. Mr Hain met Sinn Fein on Friday and is to meet the DUP.
Earlier on Friday, prime ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern said in a joint statement that voters in Northern Ireland had issued a clear message they want devolved government back.Earlier on Friday, prime ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern said in a joint statement that voters in Northern Ireland had issued a clear message they want devolved government back.
As a second day of counting got under way, the premiers said: "Restoration of the devolved institutions represents an opportunity of historic proportions."As a second day of counting got under way, the premiers said: "Restoration of the devolved institutions represents an opportunity of historic proportions."
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Results in detail McCartney's multi-seat failure Lo wins for Alliance Diane Dodds edged outResults in detail McCartney's multi-seat failure Lo wins for Alliance Diane Dodds edged out
The DUP got 30.1% of first preferences - up 4.4% from 2003 - while Sinn Fein got 26.2%, up 2.6%.The DUP got 30.1% of first preferences - up 4.4% from 2003 - while Sinn Fein got 26.2%, up 2.6%.
Almost 250 candidates were standing in 18 constituencies in the proportional representation election.Almost 250 candidates were standing in 18 constituencies in the proportional representation election.
The leaders of the four main parties were all returned, the DUP's Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams topping the polls in North Antrim and West Belfast respectively.The leaders of the four main parties were all returned, the DUP's Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams topping the polls in North Antrim and West Belfast respectively.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan was elected on the first count at Foyle, but UUP leader Sir Reg Empey had to wait to the third stage before being returned in East Belfast.SDLP leader Mark Durkan was elected on the first count at Foyle, but UUP leader Sir Reg Empey had to wait to the third stage before being returned in East Belfast.
In third place in first preferences, the SDLP received 15.2% of first preferences, the Ulster Unionists 14.9% and Alliance 5.2%.In third place in first preferences, the SDLP received 15.2% of first preferences, the Ulster Unionists 14.9% and Alliance 5.2%.
Meanwhile, UK Unionist Party leader Bob McCartney has lost his North Down seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly election.Meanwhile, UK Unionist Party leader Bob McCartney has lost his North Down seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly election.
UKUP leader Bob McCartney has lost his seatUKUP leader Bob McCartney has lost his seat
Mr McCartney, a former MP for the area, had stood in six different constituencies across Northern Ireland.Mr McCartney, a former MP for the area, had stood in six different constituencies across Northern Ireland.
His vote in north Down was half of what he achieved in the previous election. He secured just 1806 votes and was eliminated on the seventh count.His vote in north Down was half of what he achieved in the previous election. He secured just 1806 votes and was eliminated on the seventh count.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended since October 2002, amid allegations of an IRA spy ring at Stormont. A subsequent court case collapsed. Direct rule has been in place since that date.The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended since October 2002, amid allegations of an IRA spy ring at Stormont. A subsequent court case collapsed. Direct rule has been in place since that date.
Get the latest results and live coverage by clicking on this link Vote 07 websiteGet the latest results and live coverage by clicking on this link Vote 07 website
A full results service is also available on Ceefax page 190.A full results service is also available on Ceefax page 190.