by Meadhbh Monahan and Rodney Edwards

There were dramatic scenes at the Fermanagh South Tyrone election count in Omagh as Sinn Fein secured three seats.

The new MLAs for the constituency are: Sinn Fein’s Jemma Dolan, Michelle Gildernew and Sean Lynch; DUP’s Arlene Foster; and UUP’s Rosemary Barton.

One of the casualties was Lord Maurice Morrow, Chairman of the DUP, who was eliminated on the final count.

The SDLP’s Richie McPhilip’s also lost out, having been eliminated at the second stage.

DUP leader Arlene Foster vowed to stay on as leader of her party, despite the recent turmoil sparked by the botched RHI scheme.

Mrs Foster, in her speech to the election hall, said there is “no desire” for the “distinctive voice” of Northern Ireland “to be silenced at this critical time.”

She added: “Let us move forward with hope that MLAs will work for the common good rather than narrow, divisive interests.”

Michelle Gildernew stated: “I listened very closely to the leader of the DUP talking about civility and I really hope that that civility extends to the Irish language community and the LGBT community.”

As Sinn Fein MLA Sean Lynch addressed the election hall, Mrs. Foster and her DUP colleagues staged a walk out. In response, Mr. Lynch said: “See you later alligator”, a repeat of a quip made by Gerry Adams after Mrs. Foster alluded to Sinn Fein ‘crocodiles’.