The SDLP could be poised to leave the North's Executive and take a place on the opposition benches.

Sinn Féin is being widely tipped to top the poll when the European election results are counted in the North tomorrow.

Election officials in the North will begin preparations today for the official counting of the votes cast in the European Parliament election.

A top election official apologised tonight to voters who were accidentally charged over £5 (€5.75) to receive their polling cards.