South Belfast: McDonnell tops South Belfast poll

Alasdair McDonnell retained South Belfast

The SDLP's Alasdair McDonnell has held on to his South Belfast seat with a sizeable majority.

Mr McDonnell polled 14,026 votes, while Jimmy Spratt of the DUP was second with 8,100 votes. Paula Bradshaw, Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force, polled 5,910 votes.

Anna Lo, Alliance Party, polled 5,114 votes and Adam McGibbon of the Greens received 1,036 votes.

Sinn Fein withdrew its South Belfast candidate Alex Maskey.

Mr McDonnell said the result had "far exceeded" his expectations.

"There were others in places trying to push this election into tribal trenches and reduce it to a sectarian headcount," he said.

"To those who tried that trend I think the people of South Belfast have given a clear answer."