2010 United Kingdom general election in Northern Ireland

none 2010 United Kingdom general election July 2016 July 2016 2010 United Kingdom general election in Northern Ireland parliamentary no United Kingdom general election, 2005 (Northern Ireland) 2005 List of MPs for constituencies in Northern Ireland 2005–10 United Kingdom general election, 2015 (Northern Ireland) 2015 All 18 Northern Irish seats to the House of Commons List of MPs for constituencies in Northern Ireland 2010–15 6 May 2010 57.6% (5.3 pp) Peter Robinson headshot, 2011.jpg 120 120 160 0 0 Peter Robinson 31 May 2008 Belfast East (defeated) Democratic Unionist Party 168,216 25.0% 8.7 pp 9 seats, 33.7% 8 1 Gerry Adams 2012 (cropped).jpg 120 120 160 0 0 Gerry Adams 13 November 1983 Belfast West Sinn Féin 5 seats, 24.3% 5 171,942 25.5% 1.2 pp Margaret ritchie (3x4 cropped).jpg 130 120 160 0 0 Margaret Ritchie 7 February 2010 South Down Social Democratic and Labour Party 3 seats, 17.5% 3 110,970 16.5% 1.0 pp DavidFordAlliance.jpg 120 120 160 0 0 David Ford 6 October 2001 Did not stand"nb" David Ford sat as an MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly for South Antrim. The party's only MP in the Commons was Naomi Long, the MP for Belfast East Alliance Party of Northern Ireland 0 seats, 3.9% 1 1 42,762 6.3% 2.4 pp NorthernIrelandParliamentaryConstituency2010Results.svg 300px Colours on map indicate winning party for each constituency On 6 May 2010, the 2010 United Kingdom general election was held in Northern Ireland, to elect all 650 members of the House of Commons, including the 18 Northern Ireland seats. 1,169,184 people were eligible to vote, up 29,191 from the 2005 general election. 57.99% of eligible voters turned out (when including spoiled and excluded ballots), down 5.5 percentage points from the last general election.http://www.eoni.org.uk/getmedia/84fdf4f3-4dd2-48a6-b458-7ad0ec19c170/Parliamentary-Election-2010-Turnout-by-Constituency-website UK Parliamentary Election 2010 - Turnout Electoral Office for Northern Ireland 15 December 2019 6 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190806054432/http://www.eoni.org.uk/getmedia/84fdf4f3-4dd2-48a6-b458-7ad0ec19c170/Parliamentary-Election-2010-Turnout-by-Constituency-website live The election saw Sinn Féin win the most votes at a Westminster election for the first time and saw the Democratic Unionist Party win the most seats. The Ulster Unionist Party fought the election as allies of the UK Conservative Party, under the banner of Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force. The UUP failed to win any seats for the first time in over 100 years. The election also resulted in the cross community Alliance Party of Northern Ireland gaining its first elected Member of Parliament at the expense of DUP leader, Peter Robinson. The election also marked the first time since the Troubles that the counts in the eighteen constituencies were held overnight, at the same time as in the rest of the United Kingdom instead of the Friday afternoon. Background Politics of Northern Ireland Northern Ireland has a distinct regional political scene compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. The major mainland UK political entities maintain a nominal presence in the country and local parties campaign to represent Northern Irish issues. Politics is mainly split on unionist and nationalist divides, with those wanting to remain part of the United Kingdom on one side and those wanting to unite with the Republic of Ireland on the other. Cross-community parties do exist, but have not gained as much political support.Whyte Nicholas Northern Ireland Political Parties http://www.ark.ac.uk/elections/gparties.htm Northern Ireland Social and Political Archive 2 May 2015 3 July 2005 9 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110709054110/http://www.ark.ac.uk/elections/gparties.htm live In May 2007, the major political parties agreed to the St Andrews Agreement allowing the reformation of a devolved government at Stormont. The DUP's Ian Paisley became First Minister, sharing power with Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness, in a move Paisley had previously stated would never happen.Ian Paisley: Why 'Dr No' finally said yes to peace http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/ian-paisley-why-dr-no-finally-said-yes-to-peace-286211.html 7 May 2015 Irish Examiner 13 September 2014 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518071439/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/ian-paisley-why-dr-no-finally-said-yes-to-peace-286211.html live A year later, Paisley stood down as DUP leader and was replaced by his deputy, Peter Robinson.Balakrishnan Angela Robinson succeeds Paisley as DUP leader https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/apr/14/northernireland.northernireland 7 May 2015 The Guardian 14 April 2008 27 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150227034403/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/apr/14/northernireland.northernireland live In the run up to the 2010 elections, Robinson suffered a series of personal setbacks. Prior to and during the MP expenses scandal in 2009, questions were asked about his family's remunerations and expenses.Northern Ireland first minister claims Tories and UUP colluding over expenses stories https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/apr/06/northern-ireland-peter-robinson-expenses 7 May 2015 The Guardian 6 April 2009 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518081735/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/apr/06/northern-ireland-peter-robinson-expenses liveGordon David Peter Robinson: expenses row http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/peter-robinson-expenses-row-28479913.html 7 May 2015 Belfast Telegraph 8 May 2009 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101145/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/peter-robinson-expenses-row-28479913.html liveRayner Gordon Peter and Iris Robinson: DUP couple tried to claim twice for same bill: MPs expenses https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5324580/Peter-and-Iris-Robinson-married-DUP-MPs-tried-to-claim-twice-for-same-bill-MPs-expenses.html 7 May 2015 The Daily Telegraph 15 May 2009 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518120141/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5324580/Peter-and-Iris-Robinson-married-DUP-MPs-tried-to-claim-twice-for-same-bill-MPs-expenses.html live The following year, his wife and Strangford MP, Iris was involved in a political scandal.Timeline: Peter and Iris Robinson affair allegations https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8448839.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 11 January 2010 8 September 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170908215057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8448839.stm live This led to her resignation as MP and Strangford MLA, and eventual political retirement. Robinson himself temporarily stood down as First Minister to deal with the personal and legal implications.McDonald Henry Northern Ireland power-sharing at risk as Peter Robinson quits https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jan/11/northern-ireland-peter-robinson-quits 7 May 2015 The Guardian 11 January 2010 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518081917/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jan/11/northern-ireland-peter-robinson-quits live Following the general election in 2005, the UUP elected Reg Empey to replace David Trimble as leader. Trimble himself was appointed as a member of the House of Lords and would eventually defect to the Conservatives in 2007.Lord Trimble bows out to join Conservatives http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/lord-trimble-bows-out-to-join-conservatives-1-1852512 7 May 2015 The News Letter 16 April 2007 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518064216/http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/lord-trimble-bows-out-to-join-conservatives-1-1852512 live In 2009, the UUP formed an alliance with the Conservatives to contest the 2009 European elections and maintained that pact for the 2010 elections. The UUP's sole MP, Sylvia Hermon chose not to enter under that grouping and instead stood in the election as an independent for North Down.MP Lady Sylvia Hermon quits Ulster Unionists https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8586845.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 25 March 2010 8 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200823/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8586845.stm live In September 2009, SDLP leader, Mark Durkan decided to stand down to focus on his parliamentary duties.SDLP leader Durkan to step down http://www.irishtimes.com/news/sdlp-leader-durkan-to-step-down-1.846524 7 May 2015 The Irish Times 20 September 2009 30 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160630185955/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/sdlp-leader-durkan-to-step-down-1.846524 live The proceeding leadership contest saw South Down MLA, Margaret Ritchie emerge as leader.New SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie aims to be Northern Ireland's First Minister Minister http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/new-sdlp-leader-margaret-ritchie-aims-to-be-northern-irelands-first-minister-minister-28517296.html 7 May 2015 Belfast Telegraph 8 February 2010 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518094123/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/new-sdlp-leader-margaret-ritchie-aims-to-be-northern-irelands-first-minister-minister-28517296.html live In February 2010, Eddie McGrady announced that he would not stand for another term as MP for South Down.SDLP's Eddie McGrady to stand down at election http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0226/128085-mcgradye/ 7 May 2015 RTÉ 26 February 2010 24 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150224110317/http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0226/128085-mcgradye/ live The devolution of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland culminated in the acceptance of the Police Service of Northern Ireland by Sinn Féin and Alliance leader, David Ford being proposed as Minister of Justice. Ford was named as Justice Minister, the first since 1972, shortly before the 2010 election after receiving cross–party support.New Northern Ireland justice minister set to be named https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8614351.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 12 April 2010 8 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140508112112/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8614351.stm live Sinn Féin maintained its policy of abstentionism at Westminster in 2010; refusing to recognise the legitimacy of British government in Ireland.Minihan Mary Sinn Féin abstention policy means party will stand but never sit in Westminster http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/sinn-f%C3%A9in-abstention-policy-means-party-will-stand-but-never-sit-in-westminster-1.2202418 7 May 2015 The Irish Times 7 May 2015 15 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150715003133/http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/sinn-f%C3%A9in-abstention-policy-means-party-will-stand-but-never-sit-in-westminster-1.2202418 live Election constituencies List of parliamentary constituencies in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland returned eighteen members of parliament to House of Commons, one for each of its 18 parliamentary constituencies.Election 2010 | Results | Northern Ireland https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/region/6.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 7 May 2010 23 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170823095236/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/region/6.stm live 22em Belfast East Belfast North Belfast South Belfast West East Antrim East Londonderry Fermanagh & South Tyrone Foyle Lagan Valley Mid Ulster Newry & Armagh North Antrim North Down South Antrim South Down Strangford Upper Bann West Tyrone Results Party seats remained the same as the previous Westminster election in Northern Ireland, with the exception of East Belfast and North Down. The Alliance caused a surprise upset by taking East Belfast from the DUP. The UUP lost its only MP in North Down. Unionist The DUP retained all but one of its seats. Ian Paisley Jr regained his father's seat in North Antrim and Jim Shannon kept the party's Strangford seat.Antrim North: Paisley Jnr sees off Jim Allister https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8649051.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 7 May 2010 22 September 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210922232400/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8649051.stm liveStrangford: Jim Shannon keeps Iris seat for the DUP https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8647627.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 7 May 2010 4 July 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220704164951/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8647627.stm live Sammy Wilson retained his seat in East Antrim, William McCrea maintained his seat in South Antrim and Jeffrey Donaldson kept his seat in Lagan Valley. Both Nigel Dodds and Gregory Campbell retained their seats in North Belfast and East Londonderry respectively. The UCU-NF did not make any gains. Sylvia Hermon managed to retain her seat in North Down as an independent, meaning that the UUP had no parliamentary representation for the first time in more than 100 years. UUP leader, Reg Empey was unsuccessful in his attempt at the seat for South Antrim and his party's electoral performance led to his resignation announcement as leader.Spackman Conor What now for unionism? https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8666946.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 7 May 2010Sir Reg Empey to stand down as UUP leader in autumn https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8683678.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 15 May 2010 The newly founded Traditional Unionist Voice stood 10 candidates and polled 26,300 votes among them. Leader Jim Allister stood in North Antrim and came second despite predictions that he would gain the seat. Nationalist The Northern Irish electorate cast the most votes for Sinn Féin, which managed to hold its five seats but did not see any additional seat gains. Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams successfully defended his seat in West Belfast, as did deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness in Mid Ulster. Both Pat Doherty and Conor Murphy retained their seats in West Tyrone and Newry and Armagh respectively. Michelle Gildernew narrowly saved her seat in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. After a third recount she won by just 4 votes, following a strong showing by independent unionist Rodney Connor, making the seat the most marginal in the UK.McDonald Henry Divisions run deep on Lough Erne's banks, in the UK's most marginal seat https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/06/divisions-run-deep-on-lough-ernes-banks-in-the-uks-most-marginal-seat 7 May 2015 The Guardian 6 May 2015 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518081729/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/06/divisions-run-deep-on-lough-ernes-banks-in-the-uks-most-marginal-seat live The SDLP maintained three seats at Westminster. SDLP leader, Margaret Ritchie regained her party's seat in South Down. Both Mark Durkan and Alasdair McDonnell kept their seats in Foyle and South Belfast respectively. Others The Alliance gained its first elected MP by taking East Belfast. Alliance deputy leader, Naomi Long defeated the incumbent MP, DUP leader Peter Robinson.Peter Robinson loses East Belfast to Long in election https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8666196.stm 7 May 2015 BBC News 7 May 2010 15 May 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220515143722/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8666196.stm live Full results +PartySeatsAggregate Votes Total Gains LossesNetOf all (%)Total Of all (%)Difference Sinn Féin 5 0 0 27.8 171,942 25.5 1.2 Democratic Unionist Party 8 0 1 1 44.4 168,216 25.0 8.7 Social Democratic and Labour Party 3 0 0 16.7 110,970 16.5 1.0 Ulster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force 0 0 1 1 0.0 102,361 15.2 2.6 Alliance Party of Northern Ireland 1 1 0 1 5.6 42,762 6.3 2.4 Traditional Unionist Voice 0 colspan="3" New 0.0 26,300 3.9 New Green Party in Northern Ireland 0 colspan="3" New 0.0 3,542 0.5 New   Others 1 1 0 1 5.6 47,778 7.1 4.7 Total 18 673,900 57.6https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7529/CBP-7529.pdf UK Election Statistics: 1918-2023, A Century of Elections Cracknell Richard Uberoi Elise Burton Matthew 9 August 2023 House of Commons Library 29 4 August 2026 5.3 MPs elected MP Constituency Party Naomi Long Belfast East Alliance Party of Northern Ireland Nigel Dodds Belfast North Democratic Unionist Party Alasdair McDonnell Belfast South Social Democratic and Labour Party Gerry AdamsAdams resigned his seat after being elected to the Dáil Éireann in the 2011 election. Belfast West Sinn Féin Sammy Wilson East Antrim Democratic Unionist Party Gregory Campbell East Londonderry Democratic Unionist Party Michelle Gildernew Fermanagh and South Tyrone Sinn Féin Mark Durkan Foyle Social Democratic and Labour Party Jeffrey Donaldson Lagan Valley Democratic Unionist Party Martin McGuinness Mid Ulster Sinn Féin Conor Murphy Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin Ian Paisley Jr North Antrim Democratic Unionist Party Sylvia Hermon North Down Independent UnionistHermon had previously held the seat for the Ulster Unionist Party William McCrea South Antrim Democratic Unionist Party Margaret Ritchie South Down Social Democratic and Labour Party Jim Shannon Strangford Democratic Unionist Party David Simpson Upper Bann Democratic Unionist Party Pat Doherty West Tyrone Sinn Féin Italics indicates a new member and/or party representing the seat. Bold indicates an MP who did not complete a full term. Notes See also 2010 United Kingdom general election in England 2010 United Kingdom general election in Scotland 2010 United Kingdom general election in Wales References Category:2010 in Northern Ireland 2010 #Northern Ireland Category:2010 elections in Northern Ireland