MARTIN McGUlNNESS and Willie McCrea were like two guests at a wedding who, after a bitter fallout many years ago, had pledged never to speak again.
Every few minutes they passed within inches of each other at the Mid Ulster count in Omagh Leisure centre. But their eyes didn't once meet.
There were no insults, no nasty exchanges, just a cold silence. Their supporters didn't speak either, even when they joined the small queue for coke and ice cream.For four hours, Sinn Fein and the DUP were neck and neck. The "Shinners" went outside for smokes and paced in the glorious sunshine. Party worker Barry McElduff was like an anxious groom. "It's a big day for us, you know. I hope it goes OK."
Mr McCrea sat quietly in the corner with his wife, Anne, fearing the worst. "I've still got my thriving church and my gospel singing," he said.
When the returning officer called all the candidates to the podium for the declaration, the DUP's MP didn't come forward.
"Is Mr McCrea available?" the returning officer asked politely.
Willie said he wouldn't share a platform with a "representative of murderers". The result was read out without him. He lost by 1,500 votes, Sinn Fein increased its vote by more than 50 per cent.
McGuinness supporters were cock-a-hoop. There were hugs, kisses and handshakes all around. "Last night, the Tories fell like flies, but we're still here and fighting," said one republican.
"We beat that bastard McCrea," said another.
In his acceptance speech, Mr McGuinness said he would work with the new British government to rebuild the peace process.
Mr McCrea said it was a sad day when the people of Mid Ulster voted for someone who had supported the murder of their Protestant neighbours. The Sinn Fein group started laughing.
Mr McCrea was undeterred. Handing over a seat to a "reprohate whose conscience is stained with the blood of the innocent people of Mid Ulster", was nothing to snigger about, he said.
He criticised the SDLP for its "flirtation with Sinn Fein during the peace process - when you lie down with the dog, you rise with fleas". The republicans jeered.
Mr McCrea said he was down, but by no means out. "You can smirk all you like. But I can assure you that the loyalist cause will never be defeated by a bunch of thugs," he shouted.
Outside, hundreds of Sinn Fein supporters were waiting with Tricolours.
"Bye, bye Willie. You won't be missed," they yelled.