There has been a mixed reaction to the election of Donald Trump as US president by political leaders in Northern Ireland.
The former president was elected for his second non-consecutive term in the White House after defeating current vice-president Kamala Harris.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna said there is “serious concern” about what Mr Trump’s election will mean for the US.
READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes makes damning Donald Trump statement as victory declared
READ MORE: Outcome of US election matters to Northern Ireland says Matthew O'Toole
“My thoughts today are largely with people in the United States who are fearful about what this might mean for their future,” she said.
“Donald Trump has repeatedly shown himself as someone with little respect for most people or the high office that he once again holds.
“It’s very disheartening that his divisive brand of politics has been so widely endorsed, but we acknowledge the clarity of the election outcome.
“There is serious concern about what this means for the United States, Gaza, Ukraine and indeed the world. In each, the most vulnerable will likely bear the brunt of the decisions the Trump administration will take.”
Meanwhile DUP leader Gavin Robinson pledged to work with the incoming US President to promote economic opportunities.
Mr Robinson said: “The eyes of the world are fixed on the United States, underscoring the importance of the outcome of this election. Regardless of who becomes the 47th President, what matters locally is fostering a positive relationship that benefits Northern Ireland.
“Boycotts by some and insults by others directed at previous Presidents have done little to advance our interests in the White House. We should focus instead on how we can work with the incoming administration to promote economic opportunities. Moreover, with 17 American Presidents widely recognised as having Ulster-Scots ancestry, we must continue to build upon the strong cultural ties between us.
“For this reason, our DUP Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, spent time in the United States only last month, promoting various opportunities for collaboration between Northern Ireland and the US. This is work we will continue. I wish the new President well, and I trust they will be granted the wisdom and grace to lead during what is a challenging time not only for America but also for the world.”
TUV leader Jim Allister said however that he believes Mr Trump had been the better candidate.
“It’s for the American people to make their choice and I do envy the fact that they are entitled to elect those who make their laws, unlike us in 300 areas where laws are made in a foreign parliament,” he said.
“Donald Trump was better than the alternative of Harris. On the issues which impact Northern Ireland, I trust that the historic premise of the United States – no taxation without representation – is something which could give him something to think about when it comes to us.
“As a man who respects borders, when he comes to deal with the United Kingdom I suspect he may be surprised we have a partitioning border down the middle of the UK and that may dissipate the inclination to do trade deals.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.
English (United States) ·