Electorate in the Foyle constituency have voted overwhelming to stay in the European Union.
Just over 78% have chosen to stay in the EU in yesterday’s historic referendum..
The result was::
Remain 32,064
Leave 8,905
The turnout was 57.18, slightly up on the May Assembly election when the turnout was 55.3%.
The result was announced shortly before 1.45am at the count centre at the Foyle Arena in Derry.
Speaking after the declaration by Deputy Returning Officer, Patricia Murphy, Sinn Fein MEP, Martina Anderson, who had campaigned for a “remain” vote, said: “Voters in Foyle have clearly chosen to play no part British-Tory plans to copper-fasten partition and instead have put Ireland first by remaining in the EU.”
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan, who also had campaigned for a “remain” vote, said he was delighted by such a “strong ballot” in favour of staying although he said he was disappointed by the turnout.
He added: “People here in Derry knew their best interests lay with remaining in the EU..”
DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton, who had backed the “leave” campaign said he was not surprised at the result.
He added: “I did expert the ‘remain’ vote to be strong here in Foyle but obviously we have to accept the democratic result within this particular area.”
The overall result is not expected to be known until breakfast time.
Photo shows Deputy Returning Officer Patricia Murphy announcing the result.
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