DUP loses to UUP in Co Down council by-election

The DUP has suffered a surprise defeat to the Ulster Unionists in the Dromore council by-election in Co Down.

However, the UUP only won the seat on foot of transfers from Traditional Unionist Voice, the party set up to oppose the DUP's decision to share power with Sinn Féin.

The TUV polled surprisingly well in a vote regarded by most observers as the first test of unionist support for the power-sharing deal.

The party was set up by former DUP MEP Jim Allister, who said today was not a happy one for his ex-colleagues and their leader, Ian Paisley.