Triumphant Paisley tells British and Irish governments to listen up

IAN PAISLEY warned the British and Irish governments to listen to the voice of his people yesterday as he increased his massive North Antrim vote by 5%.

The Democratic Unionist Party leader triumphed with 25,156 votes, over three times the tally of his nearest rival, Sinn Féin’s Philip McGuigan.

Speaking after the declaration by returning officer Jacqui Reid, Mr Paisley said: “I will be telling Dublin and London tonight that they better listen to what the people of Northern Ireland are saying. The day has come when we cannot tolerate Sinn Féin/IRA anymore. The Democratic Unionist Party will be a force for all that’s good and decent in Northern Ireland.”

Westminster poll first-timer Mr McGuigan said Sinn Féin “has been given a clear mandate as the largest pro-Agreement party in Northern Ireland”.

Beaten into fourth place by Ulster Unionist Rodney McCune, SDLP MLA Seán Farren dismissed claims his party was in demise and called on all MPs to deliver on their mandates.

“The demise of the SDLP has been predicted but has not been realised. Elected MPs must now discharge their responsibilities on behalf of the peace process,” he said.

In a brief interview with reporters, Mr McCune said the result “required reflection” by his party.

Alliance Party candidate Jayne Dunlop gathered 1,357 votes in the Ballymoney count centre.