Ms Hanna retained her seat at Westminster with almost 50% of the vote

The UK's likely next prime minister has developed strong links to Ireland throughout his life and career

Colum Eastwood launched his party’s Westminster election manifesto on Wednesday.

The party leader made her comments as she launched Alliance’s manifesto for the Westminster election.

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson first won the seat as an Ulster Unionist in 1997 and has defended it ever since.

The seat is currently held by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the party’s former leader, who is charged with a number of historical sex offences.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said it is the latest incident which demonstrates Downing Street ‘doesn’t understand’ Northern Ireland