NI Election 2022: Paula Bradshaw elected in Belfast South
Last updated 7th May 2022
The Alliance Party's Paula Bradshaw was the first MLA to get over the line on the second day of counting in the Assembly Election at the Titanic count centre.
She was elected on the seventh count at Belfast South.
And her Alliance Party running mate, current mayor of Belfast Kate Nicholl, took the final seat with Green Party leader Claire Bailey missing out.
At the Magherafelt count centre, the DUP's Keith Buchanan (pic below) also picked up a seat in the Mid-Ulster constituency early doors today.
Meanwhile, the UUP's Rosemary Barton, who is set to lose her seat in Fermanagh and South Tyrone to party colleague Tom Elliott, has said the UUP must not forget conservative voters.
Party leader Doug Beattie is clinging on for his seat in Upper Bann amid a poor election for the party.
Ms Barton said that what happens next, if Mr Beattie fails to be elected, is up to the party leader.
"I'm not sure what has gone wrong, but I think we do need to, perhaps, look at the strategies we have for the future," she told PA news agency.
"We have to be progressive but we also cannot forget about those that are slightly more conservative. They have got to be brought along also. That's something that the party must be very mindful of."
Asked about the fate of Mr Beattie, if he does lose his seat, she said: "I think the decision is up to Doug what he does.
"He has only been party leader for nine months.
"I think he's got to perhaps look at the direction he's taking. Not necessarily go but review - review how he can perhaps improve what we've been left with at the end of today."
Justin McNulty, the SDLP candidate elected in Newry and Armagh, admitted his party was hoping for some "Lazarus" moments on Saturday.
He told the PA news agency in the Magherafelt count centre: "It has been a great night for the SDLP in Newry and Armagh, we have weathered the storm.
"We have taken the scenic route, but we came back with more votes than the last election so l am delighted."
"Hope has won out."
Asked about the SDLP results across Northern Ireland, Mr McNulty said: "It is looking pretty poor at this point, but some Lazarus moments may happen yet.
"We will remain hopeful.
"The tide was against us during this election but we have run a very powerfully positive campaign."