Sinn Féin Emerges as Northern Ireland's Largest Westminster Party
Sinn Féin has become the largest party in Northern Ireland's councils, assembly, and Westminster after the recent UK general election, securing seven seats. The Democratic Unionist Party dropped from eight seats in 2019 to five in 2024. Sinn Féin saw a 4.2% increase in vote share, while the Labour Party won a landslide victory in the UK.
Sinn Féin has become the largest party in Northern Ireland's councils, assembly, and Westminster after the recent UK general election.
Despite not taking its seats in the House of Commons, the nationalist party secured seven seats, mirroring their 2019 performance.
Leader Mary Lou McDonald called for a united future on the island.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) experienced a significant loss, dropping from eight seats in 2019 to five in 2024.
High-profile casualties included Ian Paisley, who lost the North Antrim seat held by his family since 1970, and Jeffrey Donaldson faced charges of historical sex offenses after vacating his Lagan Valley seat won by Alliance's Sorcha Eastwood.
Sinn Féin celebrated a 4.2% increase in vote share, welcoming newcomers Dáire Hughes and Cathal Mallaghan and retaining seats with familiar faces like Órfhlaith Begley and Chris Hazzard.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party won a landslide victory in the UK, making Sir Keir Starmer the new prime minister.