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Northern Ireland election

Election 07 graphic

Almost there

  • Mark Devenport
  • 9 Mar 07, 02:42 PM

The Chief Electoral Officer Douglas Bain is in favour of electronic counting of votes. But what will that do to 91热爆 Election Specials? Titles roll - Noel Thompson reads his introduction - welcome to our not very extended coverage - here's the election, press the button, there's your MLAS, here's your Executive, now it's time for Neighbours.

Just like the televised lottery we'll have to jazz the thing up with bands playing their latest single or an excerpt from a new show at the Opera House.

Of course after pioneering the results text service, we shall like our counterparts on ITV, have to induce viewers to enter election competitions. Although we seem to have contrived to be the only broadcasters not making any money on such services lately...

So what's the latest - on the 1.30 programme I suggested the following scenario

DUP 37 - 39
SF 28 - 29
UUP 17
SDLP 15 - 17
Alliance 7
Greens 1
PUP 1
Kieran Deeney - Maybe 1

The room for manoeuvre is in Upper Bann (where I think SF will probably take the last seat) South Antrim (where the SDLP is battling the DUP) and West Tyrone (where Drs Deeney and Deehan are still on a waiting list).

If the SDLP win both their battles they would draw level with the UUP. Under the tie breaking rule, the SDLP's total vote would be taken into account - as that's higher than the UUP they would get 2 ministries. If they don't win either of their dog fights they will trail the UUP and will only get one ministry.

So this is why those last seat battles are so vital...

Comments   Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 03:17 PM on 09 Mar 2007,
  • Jonny Marr wrote:

Although an Englishman, I am a big lover of election night, whether it is relevant to me or not and so I was very interested in the results of these elections. From what I have seen can I just say a huge well done to the people of Northern Ireland, you have made the rest of Britain proud in the way you conducted yourselfs in the election and that you put real issues first in this election. I just hope that the politicians you believe in to get the results you want, deliver. If the DUP and Sinn Fein fail to deliver then what idiots they are. Good luck to our friends to the West!

  • 2.
  • At 03:39 PM on 09 Mar 2007,
  • Keith wrote:

I agree with you, Mark, that these last seats are really important for the SDLP and the UUP particularly if devolved government is restored to Northern Ireland in the next couple of weeks before Easter. I think that it will be important for the stability of the Assembly for parties such as the SDLP and the UUP to have as many seats and ministerial positions as possible. Devolved government could not have occurred in either 1998 or 2003, it really had to wait until the DUP and Sinn Fein were in the ascendency and could draw the more hardline part of both the Unionist and Nationalist communities together in support of an Executive. This sadly, could not have occurred when the SDLP and the UUP were in the majority but now their presence will be necessary as devolved government seems imminent.

  • 3.
  • At 03:46 PM on 09 Mar 2007,
  • Stuart Irwin wrote:

It was a real shame to hear that Birnie lost his seat in South Belfast last night, especially considering he was expected to take an executive position. Mark, who would you think would take a second ministry position for the Ulster Unionists if they were to be entitled to two?

  • 4.
  • At 04:42 PM on 09 Mar 2007,
  • Austin wrote:

having grown up in Dublin, and being an avid election night(s) follower it is a joy to watch the unfolding of vote counts - especially PR systems.
It makes great TV and I must congratulate 91热爆 NI for their coverage

Well done
Austin, London

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