Sinn Féin set for best ever Northern Ireland Assembly election result 

Asked about the possibility of her taking the first minister role, Michelle O'Neill said: 'It is very early to say, let’s get all the votes counted.'

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald (left) arrives with Vice-President Michelle O’Neill (right) to the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, as counting continues for the Northern Ireland Assembly. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Sinn Féin is on course for its best ever result in a Northern Ireland Assembly election after receiving the most first-preference votes.

With counting for the 90 Stormont seats continuing on Friday evening, the republican party had won 16 seats, well ahead of the Alliance on four and the DUP and UUP on three.