Sinn Fein by-election victory

Unionists are celebrating winning an increased share of the vote in Mid Ulster, Nigel Lutton, who ran as a "unity" candidate between the two major unionist parties: the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

Tonight Nigel Lutton secured the highest General Election unionist %of vote in Mid Ulster since William McCrea was defeated in 1997

From @duponline on Twitter: ( 1:26 am, Fri 08 Mar 2013)

Good effort by the #unionistunity team. @uuponline @duponline #nigellutton

From @mgray5791 on Twitter: ( 1:20 am, Fri 08 Mar 2013)

First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the DUP tweeted his congratulations.

Fantastic unionist vote in Mid Ulster. Well done Nigel. It demonstrates that a united unionist candidate can increase the unionist vote.

From @DUPleader on Twitter: ( 1:29 am, Fri 08 Mar 2013)

• UK

Sinn Fein candidate Francis Molloy was won the seat previously held by Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness in Mid Ulster.

Mr Molloy won 49% of votes, a reduced majority.

• Sinn Fein's Francie Molloy won 17,462 votes
• Joint unionist candidate Nigel Lutton won 12,781 votes
• Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA won 6,478 votes
• Alliance Party's Eric Bullick won 487 votes

• UK

Francie Molloy has won the Mid Ulster by-election to fill the seat vacated by Martin McGuinness at Westminster.

Proud and humbled to win this victory for the people of Mid Ulster. Thinking of all those who have struggled to make days like this possible

From @FrancieMolloy on Twitter: ( 1:23 am, Fri 08 Mar 2013)

Official result not in but we've won. Thanks to all who has voted for me and helped with the campaign. We'll build on our record of results.

From @FrancieMolloy on Twitter: ( 1:14 am, Fri 08 Mar 2013)

Stormont's deputy First Minister resigned from the Westminster role in December.

Read: Martin McGuinness resigns as MP to concentrate on Stormont politics

• UK
• Sinn Fein