Everything Ulster - Election 2005

Alasdair McDonnell has come through the middle of the two Unionist candidates to top the poll in South Belfast with 10,339 votes (32.3%). Spratt came second on 9,104 (28%) and McGimpsey 3rd on 7263 (23%).

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The DUP had been claiming this one with a majority of 2,000-5,000 but like most of their campaign, they were obviously grossly exaggerating the situation.

Despite this being my constituency I'm not even sure I care that much. I'm glad Spratt didn't get in and I'm probably nearly glad that if the UUP or Alliance couldn't that the McDonnell could - that said, they way the SDLP conducted this campaign leaves a lot to be desired! Middle ground my ass.

The DUP may have topped the Unionist poll but I honestly beleive that the main reason for this is that they successfully scared the electorate into believing that they could win and McGimpsey couldn't. Well the DUP got their way - the Ulster Unionists didn't win, that's really all they wanted so congratulations.

Alasdair McDonnell 10,339 (32.3%)
Jimmy Spratt 9,104 (28.4%)
Michael McGimpsey 7,263 (22.7%)
Alex Maskey 2,882 (9.0%)
Geraldine Rice 2,012 (6.3%)
Others 428 (1.3%)

Turnout 32,028 (60.8%)