The scene in the King’s Hall, Belfast this morning was as divided as the Unionist vote. Every now and then another MLA/MP entered the hall and his/her supporters squealed, shouted, and screamed support. It seemed like the main purpose of having lots of counting agents present was to ensure you shouted the loudest. Of course, the real reason for everyone being there was to ensure that the European Election count was conducted freely and fairly.

Sinn Féin‘s Bairbre de Brún topped the poll and displaced the Democratic Unionist Party from its top spot since 1979. After she was elected, the Green Party candidate Steven Agnew and Ian Parsley from the Alliance Party were excluded at the same time, and their next preferences added to others. During this there was a short lesson in the Single Transferable Vote from one member of the Electoral Commission’s observers to another. The Conservatives and Unionists‘ Jim Nicholson was reelected, Jim Allister from the Traditional Unionist Voice went out,  and Diane Dodds from the DUP was elected without reaching the quota. For the full result look here.

Spoilt Votes

At one stage a number of representatives of the candidates gathered to check the ‘doubtful votes’ with the Electoral Office‘s team. Apparently there were all sorts of things written on them, from comments about each of the candidates, to seven Xs to 1, 2,3, in one box. There were many variations. But the funniest of all was apparently when all had an X beside them except Ms de Brún who had “Sassenach” written beside her.

Brown in difficulties in London

Not only does the First Lord of the Treasury have difficulties in keeping Her Majesty’s Government together (Yet another minister has resigned (Jane Kennedy (Environment))) but now it appears there will be problems for Transport in London. The RMT union has just voted for a 48 hour strike. Transport for London has made contingency plans for the capital. Let’s trust that the ministerial comings and goings from Downing Street don’t get too held up in the ensuing traffic chaos.