Sinn Fein’s Padraig Delargy topped the poll with 20% of first preference votes while running mate Ciara Ferguson took a second seat for the party

It was early on Friday, as the first tallies and votes were counted, that SDLP figures privately conceded that hopes of a third MLA would not materialise in the face of a strong Sinn Féin performance

Two Sinn Féin MLAs who are not seeking re-election in Foyle have shown leadership by recognising the need for change, Michelle O’Neill has said. The party vice president said she wanted to commend Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan for their decision.