Trimble foe Dodds sweeps in

One of David Trimble’s fiercest Good Friday Agreement opponents was today among the first MPs to be elected in Northern Ireland.

Nigel Dodds, of the Rev Ian Paisley’s hardline Democratic Unionist Party, swept to victory in North Belfast after the Ulster Unionist vote for outgoing MP Cecil Walker collapsed.

A jubilant Mr Dodds declared: ‘‘This is one in the eye for Mr Trimble. It is a victory for those who want fair, accountable and decent government in Northern Ireland, and who don’t want to share power with gunmen.’’

The Rev Martin Smyth, retained his Ulster Unionist seat in south Belfast with an increased majority.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams was a clear winner in west Belfast with a majority of almost 20,00 and a 66% share of the vote, and his party’s candidate in west Tyrone, Pat Doherty was expected to triumph after a major battle with Brid Rodgers of the SDLP.

Mr Adams said: ‘‘We have to make sure the Good Friday Agreement works.’’