Republicans take lead Sinn Fein and SDLP 34 to 33

[RB TexLa]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6432777.stm

The DUP and Sinn Fein have taken more than half the first preference votes between them in the Northern Ireland Assembly election.

The DUP received 30.1% of first preferences - up 4.4% from 2003 - while Sinn Fein got 26.2%, up 2.6%.

More than half of the 108 seats have so far been decided, with counting due to finish later.

The British and Irish governments hope the outcome will lead to the restoration of devolved government.

In third place, the SDLP received 15.2% of first preferences, the Ulster Unionists 14.9% and Alliance 5.2%.

[Unrepentant Fenian]

1. Tiocfaidh Ar La !

We'll have to see how things shake out with the PSNI. A lot of people were against SF for stand on policing.