Political landscape transformed by vote

Tony McDaid and supporters celebrate his election to Donegal County Council

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has hailed Sinn Féin's massive showing throughout the island as a major advance for all of those who want to see a United Ireland based on equality and an Ireland of equals in a Europe of equals.

Sinn Féin's National Director of Elections said: "The election results throughout the island have matched and in many cases surpassed our objectives.

"With MEPs elected both North and South and major advances at local level in the 26 Counties, the political landscape on this island has been transformed.

"Sinn Féin has firmly established itself as the only all-Ireland party and we will use this mandate to further the agenda for political, social and economic change across this island.

"In terms of progressing the Peace Process, we believe that despite the present negative stance of the DUP, it is inevitable that they will have to, sooner or later, enter into negotiations with Sinn Féin.

"The review process is to resume once again this week but both governments must ensure that they are not just going through the motions.

"Prior to the elections, Sinn Féin had been involved in intensive negotiations with the two governments aimed at breaking the current impasse.

"This review must be clearly designed to put in place the modalities and timeframes to ensure the resolution of all the outstanding issues and the early re-establishment of the political institutions."