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Robinson loses east Belfast seat Robinson loses East Belfast seat
(21 minutes later)
Northern Ireland's first minister Peter Robinson has lost his east Belfast seat to Alliance deputy leader Naomi Long. First minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson's entire future in politics is under threat after he lost his Westminster seat.
In a shock turnaround, he fell from a 6,000 majority in 2005 to losing the seat, polling 11,306 votes, to Ms Long's 12,839 votes. Alliance deputy leader Naomi Long is the new MP for east Belfast after her vote almost quadrupled.
In a shock turnaround, Mr Robinson fell from a 6,000 majority in 2005 to 11,306 votes. Ms Long won 12,839 votes.
His wife, Iris Robinson's resignation, questions over expenses and land deals may have played a role in his defeat.His wife, Iris Robinson's resignation, questions over expenses and land deals may have played a role in his defeat.
His leadership of the DUP, NI's largest party, and his career as a politician, will now be in question. In better news for the DUP, in north Antrim, Ian Paisley Jnr polled 19,672 votes, winning the seat comfortably despite the contest from TUV leader Jim Allister.
Sinn Fein veteran Pat Doherty was the first declared MP. He retained his West Tyrone seat, polling 18,050 votes. Overall the TUV does not appear to have caused significant damage to the DUP vote.
In north Antrim, the DUP's Ian Paisley Jnr polled 19,672 votes, winning the seat comfortably despite the contest from TUV leader Jim Allister.
In Londonderry, the count has been suspended because of a bomb scare at the Templemore complex.In Londonderry, the count has been suspended because of a bomb scare at the Templemore complex.
In other developments:
  • Lady Sylvia Hermon, standing as an independent, has won the North Down seat
  • Sinn Fein veteran Pat Doherty retained his West Tyrone seat, polling 18,050 votes.
  • David Simpson, DUP, retained his Upper Bann seat
  • Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP, held his Lagan Valley seat
Eighteen Westminster seats are being contested. It is the first time in recent years that counting is taking place overnight in NI.Eighteen Westminster seats are being contested. It is the first time in recent years that counting is taking place overnight in NI.
Independent candidate Lady Sylvia Hermon is set to hold North Down with ease. Former UUP leader David Trimble with wife Daphne at the Lagan Valley count
TUV leader Jim Allister at the count in Ballymena
The former UUP MP is said to have increased her vote. The Ulster Conservative and Unionists candidate Ian Parsley has conceded.The former UUP MP is said to have increased her vote. The Ulster Conservative and Unionists candidate Ian Parsley has conceded.
On Twitter, he thanked all those who voted for him, but said it was not enough on this occasion and congratulated Lady Hermon.On Twitter, he thanked all those who voted for him, but said it was not enough on this occasion and congratulated Lady Hermon.
Sammy Wilson, DUP, looks set to hold his east Antrim seat.Sammy Wilson, DUP, looks set to hold his east Antrim seat.
Turn-out at the polls is just over 60% across Northern Ireland. But in Fermanagh/South Tyrone, where a close contest is expected, the turn-out is over 70%.Turn-out at the polls is just over 60% across Northern Ireland. But in Fermanagh/South Tyrone, where a close contest is expected, the turn-out is over 70%.
Meanwhile, an election exit poll suggests Britain is heading for a hung Parliament with David Cameron's Conservatives 21 short of a majority.Meanwhile, an election exit poll suggests Britain is heading for a hung Parliament with David Cameron's Conservatives 21 short of a majority.
BBC NI Political Editor Mark Devenport said: "What that means, if true, is that whilst the DUP on their own wouldn't be able to guarantee anyone a majority, our local MPs could certainly be in the mix.BBC NI Political Editor Mark Devenport said: "What that means, if true, is that whilst the DUP on their own wouldn't be able to guarantee anyone a majority, our local MPs could certainly be in the mix.
"That would be either as part of a Unionist plus Scottish and Welsh nationalist group propping up the Conservatives or, alternatively, a similar rainbow coalition propping up a Lib-Lab pact.""That would be either as part of a Unionist plus Scottish and Welsh nationalist group propping up the Conservatives or, alternatively, a similar rainbow coalition propping up a Lib-Lab pact."
Ballot papers have been collected from 610 locations across Northern Ireland and taken to eight different counting centres.Ballot papers have been collected from 610 locations across Northern Ireland and taken to eight different counting centres.