Sinn Fein Becomes Largest Party in Northern Ireland Local Government

Sinn Fein northern leader Michelle O'Neill reacts with candidates and party workers as the count continues in the Northern Ireland council elections in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, on May 19, 2023. Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Sinn Fein has become the largest party in local government in Northern Ireland for the first time after making large gains in the council elections.

Of the 462 seats across 11 councils, Sinn Fein won 144 seats, an increase of 39 from the last council election in 2019.