NI Election 2022: 'it's been a good day so far for Alliance' Naomi Long

Alliance leader Naomi Long has dedicated her re-election as an MLA for East Belfast to her father-in-law who recently died.

She topped the poll in East Belfast and was re-elected on the first count, along with Joanne Bunting (DUP).

Ms Long told media: "It's been a good day so far for Alliance and obviously it's been a good day for me personally in East Belfast and also for Peter McReynolds and we expect that we will hold the two seats there.

"It's been quite an emotional election campaign for me. I lost my father in law in the last few weeks, and we buried him yesterday. I just want to dedicate this win to him because without family I could not do what I do, and without their support I would not be where I am.

"I am just absolutely thrilled that I've polled so well and I really look forward to later on today and seeing all my colleagues bringing it home."