Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson has topped the poll in Northern Ireland with 126,951 first preference votes.

The DUP's Diane Dodds came in second with 124,991 first preference votes while a surprise strong showing by the Alliance Party's Naomi Long, could see two 'Remainers' returned to the European Parliament.

Long brought in 105,928 first preference votes, some 27,000 more than the SDLP's Colum Eastwood.

Counting continues and the stage two results have seen Long receive a further 9,399 in transfers.

The Ulster Unionist Party lost its seat with Danny Kennedy eliminated after the first count.

Stage 2 results pic.twitter.com/fIhsNwAthL

— Electoral Office NI (@eoni_official) May 27, 2019

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph shortly after arriving at the count centre, DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "Of course, we would have preferred to have had two unionist MEPs returned - what we have instead is a nationalist MEP, a very strong unionist MEP and an MEP who identifies as neither.

"When I look at the votes, which I think is very important, I notice that unionism is still ahead by over 40,000 votes and of course I am very pleased about that. Obviously we would have preferred to see two unionist MEPs returned but I am absolutely delighted with our turnout today and the fact our vote has increased again," she added.

Despite Foster's positive spin, 57% of the vote in Northern Ireland has gone to remain parties who support the backstop arrangements in the Withdrawal Agreement.

Michelle O'Neill hailed Anderson's performance, saying: "This is a vital result in terms of sending the right message to Brussels and Britain that we voted to remain in 2016 – and we are still determined to remain."

"The British Government and the DUP need to start listening. They need to start respecting the democratic wishes of the people here to remain in the EU. The people gave their verdict in 2016 and they have reaffirmed it here today – there is no good Brexit for Ireland, North or South.”