Sinn Fein 'must turn from its evil ways' insists Paisley

Published on Friday 9 March 2007 11:45

DEMOCRATIC Unionist leader the Rev Ian Paisley has told Sinn Fein it must "turn from its evil ways" ahead of today's count in Northern Ireland's Assembly Election.

Both parties are expected to make more gains today in nine of the 18 constituencies after yesterday's count, which showed the Rev Paisley and GerryAdams had built up considerable leads over their unionist and nationalist rivals. With 72 of the 108 seats declared, the DUP led with 25 Assembly members elected while Sinn Fein had 24.

Mr Adams said those who voted did so to see Northern Ireland's institutions working and "those against that have their answer, it seems, in fairly overwhelming terms". The British and Irish governments hope the outcome of the election will lead to the restoration of devolved government at Stormont.

The cross-community Alliance Party performed particularly well with three seats already in the bag, including one for Hong Kong-born Anna Lo.