DUP score election hat-trick

Delighted party supporters at the count centre were in jubilant mood as their candidates in each of the three Newtownabbey constituencies successfully defended their Westminster seats.

In South Antrim William McCrea held off the challenge of Ulster Conservatives and Unionists candidate Reg Empey, while Nigel Dodds retained his seat ahead of Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly in North Belfast.

The most clear-cut result came in East Antrim where Sammy Wilson was a clear winner, with a majority of more than 6,700 votes over his nearest challenger, Conservatives and Unionists candidate Rodney McCune.

For full results and reaction see next week's Times...