Rebel unionist party polling well in Down election

The new unionist party set up to oppose the DUP's decision to share power with Sinn Féin appears to be polling well in the Dromore by-election in Co Down.

The council election is the first being contested by Traditional Unionist Voice, established by former DUP MEP Jim Allister.

Early tallies suggest the DUP is only a few percentage points ahead of the TUV candidate, but the final result is not expected until around lunchtime.

The poll is being regarded in the North as a test of unionist opinion towards power-sharing.