Five major NI takeaways from a night of election drama

The DUP losing three seats is bad – but the nature of those losses will really sting.

First, in Lagan Valley, the constituency of former leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Jonathan Buckley was defeated by Alliance’s Sorcha Eastwood.

The constituency, formed in 1983, has only ever returned unionist MPs – until now.

Mr Buckley highlighted boundary changes and unionist splits for the defeat, although others may also wonder about the impact of Sir Jeffrey stepping down from the DUP as he contests charges over alleged historical sex offences.

Then another shocker – Ian Paisley toppled in North Antrim by Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister.

It will be the first time in 54 years the constituency will not be represented by an Ian Paisley – the younger had succeeded his father, the DUP co-founder and former first minister who dominated Northern Ireland politics for decades.

In East Londonderry and East Antrim, Gregory Campbell and Sammy Wilson held onto their seats, but with a much reduced share of votes.

Elsewhere, leader Gavin Robinson did see off the challenge of Alliance leader Naomi Long. But, just a few months into his leadership, he’ll be left to contemplate what comes next.