Sinn Féin, DUP gains a ‘return to the trenches’

THE Northern Peace Process was heading for political paralysis last night after Sinn Féin and the DUP made dramatic gains.

Sinn Féin swept the SDLP aside to become the largest nationalist party, while the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) moved ahead of the Ulster Unionist Party.

As counting continued last night in the 18 constituencies, a clear picture was emerging. Sinn Féin looked like increasing its representation in the 108-seat Assembly from 18 to 23, as the SDLP seemed like sliding from 24 seats to a possible 19.