Political leaders cast ballots in NI election
NORTHERN Ireland’s political leaders have cast their ballots in the region’s snap election.
The electorate is returning to the polls to select a new devolved Assembly for the second time in less than a year.
The power-sharing coalition executive led by the two largest parties at Stormont – the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein – collapsed in January.
If the former partners in government are again returned as the main players, they will have three weeks to resolve their multiple differences and form a new administration.
The re-imposition of direct rule from London is on the cards if the post-election talks fail to mend tensions.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster voted at Brookeborough primary school in the heart of her Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency.
Sinn Fein’s northern leader Michelle O’Neill filled out her ballot paper at a school in her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone. She was joined by daughter Saoirse and son Ryan, 18, who voted for the first time.
“It’s great that so many people are coming out to vote,” said Mrs O’Neill.
The Ulster Unionists’ leader, Mike Nesbitt, was accompanied by wife Lynda Bryans and son Peter as he voted at a school in east Belfast, while SDLP leader Colum Eastwood arrived at a school in Londonderry with his family.
“It’s a dry day so hopefully that will mean a high turnout,” said Mr Nesbitt.