West Belfast:West Belfast saw potential electoral history made as an unprecedented five Sinn Féin candidates looked on course to be elected, the gain coming at the expense of Diane Dodds of the DUP.
The probable result would take back the shock unionist seat won by Ms Dodds in 2003 in the mainly nationalist constituency.
Gerry Adams topped the poll, with Sue Ramsey following at the second stage. The party's Paul Maskey, Jennifer McCann and Fra McCann looked set to follow. At the close of counting last night, the sixth seat looked likely to be won by Alex Attwood of the SDLP.
One Sinn Féin insider told The Irish Times that "hundreds" of nationalist voters in the constituency voted Gerry Adams "1" on their ballot papers, then Alex Attwood "2", before shifting back to Sinn Féin for their third preference.
This indicates an excellent outcome of Sinn Féin's strategy of managing its vote. Party president Gerry Adams said he was delighted at the outcome. Scott Jamison
