THE NORTH woke this morning to the news that Republican Donald Trump had a stunning victory over Hillary Clinton to win the race to the White House.
Trump’s historic victory to become the 45 the President of the United States of America stumped commentators and exit polls.
The smart money was on a Democratic Clinton victory but Trump’s campaign won the day as he swept the boards in many key states, the biggest being Florida along with North Carolina.
In his acceptance speech, president elect Donald Trump said: “It’s been what they call a historic event – but to be really historic we have to do a great job.
“I promise you I will not let you down, we will do a great job – I look very much forward to being your president.”
Here in the North, politicians have been reacting to the Trump’s victory.
His win appears to have divided Sinn Fein.
Deputy First Minister and Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Martin McGuinness: “I congratulate Donald Trump on his election victory.
“I will work constructively with President Trump to maintain and strengthen our well established and deeply valued relationship with the United States.
“Over many years successive US administrations have made a major contribution to both our peace process and economic development and I expect this to continue.
“I commiserate with Hillary Clinton who showed unwavering commitment to the north of Ireland as Secretary of State and First Lady.”
His party colleagues were less than enthused with a Trump win.
Sinn Fein MLA Catherine Seeley tweeted: “The only winners are racists, sexists, homophobes&islamophobes – a historic day for all the wrong reasons. Hate trumped love.”
Sinn Fein Vice President Mary Lou McDonald tweeted: “Today is not the day for a Woman in the White House. Our day will come.”
Party colleague Michaela Boyle posted: “What a condescending hypocrite towards Clinton.”
The SDLP were also not too pleased at a Trump win.
West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan tweeted: “It’s like BREXIT all over again!
“Once again common sense has failed to prevail! It’s a sad day for America & the world.
The North’s First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster said: “I congratulate Donald Trump on his historic election as the 45th President of the United States of America.
“We are a small region but we are fortunate to have strong historical, economic and political ties to the United States.
“Northern Ireland has developed a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and I look forward to working with Donald Trump’s administration to continue this.
“As our largest inward investor the United States plays a massive role in our economic progress.”
