Where are the talking points of the night in Northern Ireland?
The ones that we’re really expecting the big battles are:
East Belfast
It’s another instalment of the Gavin Robinson vs Naomi Long battle. Long previously held the seat from 2011 to 2015 but Robinson has won on the last three occasions. Last time out it was with a majority of 1,819 and nobody would be surprised if it’s even closer run this time out.
North Down
It’s been Alliance and Stephen Farry’s seat since 2019 but independent unionist and an MLA Alex Easton is challenging, with Tim Collins also running for the UUP. It’s anticipated to be a close race between Farry and Easton, with Collins now seen only to have an outside chance.
Fermanagh & South Tyrone
Outgoing MP Michelle Gildernew is not running for Sinn Fein but former nursing chief Pat Cullen is in and going up against Diana Armstrong. This seat has seen a majority of fewer than 1,000 votes in every General Election since 2010 and nobody’s expecting this one to be any different. It will be hard pressed to be closer than 2010, when four votes separated the top two candidates.
South Antrim
It’s the battle of two unionist candidates as outgoing MP Paul Girvan (DUP) is under pressure from former NI Health Minister Robin Swann has moved from North Antrim, viewing Girvan as an easier target than Paisley.
Outside chances
There’s the likes of Foyle, where Sinn Fein’s Sandra Duffy is trying to chase down SDLP’s Colum Eastwood, and South Down, where it’s vice versa as the SDLP (Colin McGrath) is going after a seat held by Sinn Fein and Chris Hazzard.
And we’ve heard whispers of DUP coming under pressure in both Upper Bann and East Londonderry, although any changes in those constituencies would fall firmly into the surprise bracket.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
