Mid Ulster has a new MP but it’s more of the same in the constituency as former local councillor and mayor Cathal Mallaghan swept to victory with a majority of just under 15,000.
Sinn Féin’s Mallaghan picked up a total of 24,085 votes and an increased vote share of 53% when the counting finished in Meadowbank in Magherafelt in the early hours of Friday. With outgoing MP Francie Molloy announcing his intention to stand down earlier this year, Pomeroy man Mallaghan was chosen as the successor to the veteran Republican and duly defended the seat.
Mallaghan paid tribute to his predecessor during his victory speech, and was joined by party leader and deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill.
DUP MLA Keith Buchanan polled in second place with 9,162 votes and a vote share of just over 20%.
